1. Alas, for an empty glory
Of most cunning pains a deceiver

2. With might concealed
From beholder and listener

3. It flows in the folds of space
Sinuous, unhindered, unchecked

4. It wrests me in my wealth
And likewise in perfection of my works

5. It waylays me in my poverty
And likewise in my asceticism contends

6. So I cast it off disdainfully
Causes of praise that bring no benefit