1. He who abandoned wealth, however grand,
And parents to live free and poor,

2. And followed Christ with intent and purpose
To live in utter poverty and need,

3. Is content with voluntary poverty
As the rich are with wealth that breeds arrogance,

4. And says with that apostle whose resolve
Is far from what people of the world see:

5. "For my Lord's sake I lost my wealth
And deemed it rubbish from atop the soil,

6. That I may gain the Lord Christ through my poverty
Since my love for God was without blemish."

7. This one who, when ransomed by his Christ
And saw Him poor, naked and humiliated,

8. Met Him naked with his devotion when
The deceitful world had cast Him into the wild.

9. And he saw it fit to emulate his God.
Blessed is he when he saw and before he saw!

10. For poverty is a gem, its value
Surpassing wealth and jewels however grand.

11. Christ was pleased with it for the glory of its merit
And chose it as a sublime, proud mantle.

12. Christ bestowed on His children a mantle—
If you ask "What is it?" I say: Utter poverty.

13. If the Lord of Glory is called Truthful,
No doubt that poverty is called the Purest.

14. And if wealth is called False,
No doubt that money is called the Vilest.

15. Whoever increased money increased worldly worries,
While the poor monk lives happily without knowing.

16. Content with his clothing and livelihood,
Yet feared by lions and noblemen.

17. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs
Is the kingdom of the Lord, bought with asceticism!