1. As though the morn were a flock I hasten after,
Though the goal my like pursues is but like mine;

2. I made it my dwelling what scope for me there was in it,
But when it turned away I turned not to follow the shadow.

3. When I spied a place of refuge, my reason and I
Chose there a stead where gray hairs find nodecay,

4. Meet that childishness fade not my gravity away;
For now is everything grown equal on a footing

5. And a wanton bewitching with eyelids that sue
For darkness to put off kohl and turn to me.

6. She takes the minds of the wise, or gives pride for humility,
Repulsed me, so I coveted not; she was cold and I was not hot;

7. Restraint, no saying; silence, no hint;
Though she and her like have corrupted my nature,

8. Still in all conditions, estrangement and meeting, I
Refrain or forgive as she frowns or smiles.

9. I am pliant to her wish, to reason, word, and deed-
So through the eyes with which I behold her or not

10. My heart is a prey, now heated, now cooled.
The little host, though the heights dissatisfy,

11. Their passes impossible, their roads unsure,
I guide down, darkening the bright signs, smoothing the roughness,

12. Though the wild goat quit it without returning for water
Or were he worn to a sandal-strap left in the ground.

13. My nature's nobility and caution I conserve
Though no wine or ferment have passed 'twixt me and it

14. And I follow my reason far as my saddle girths allow,
While other men's reason's are locusts' wings.

15. I know I am pledged to the days and tomorrows,
Yet I saw incapacity was baser in those gone before.

16. I am proud, when pride is a natural quality,
From loss of merit, from gain of excellence;

17. I am open-handed, though open-handedness
Were a lure, not to death-I say not, to ruin;

18. I am faithful, though faithfulness is lost and its adherents,
Half seduced by error, half by ignorance.