1. I faced dangers undaunted,
My feet firm though youth still haunted,

2. Embracing death on Thursday undismayed,
When all the cowardly had fled afraid.

3. Hardships but gave my glory firmer base,
And passing days enhanced my pride of place.

4. I’ve learned how Time’s inconstant seasons run.
No fault have I to find with fates I’ve known,

5. For even as the days are wont to bring
Their favor, so misfortune sorrowing,

6. And as for some they joy and glad estate,
For others grief and bitterness create.

7. Bear thou what comes, and Time’s caprice forgive.
Good must succeed the ill he bids thee live.

8. Yea, though the days have been unjust and rude,
I’ve borne, and drained the cups Fate proffered, crude.

9. In hours of bliss, when joy me overflowed,
My ardent thoughts were to my friends bestowed.

10. Go ask the nights if e’er my purpose broke,
Go ask misfortunes if my soul they shook.

11. Their witness is, no weaklings’ plight I shared,
No coward’s portion was the cup I dared.

12. I live absorbed in thoughts of coming day,
And only deeds of kindness engage my way.

13. Strong to endure misfortune’s roughest shocks,
Yet in reproaching friends my spirit melts.

14. And if the sword cuts every tie in twain,
It only makes more free my tongue and brain.