1. You have reached sixty, so beware,
For after it sorrow and grief are your share.

2. When your years have passed and gone,
The Judge's decree cannot be withdrawn.

3. You're like a scroll spread out for a while,
Then rolled up again, sealed the while.

4. How can one who's wise joy in living,
When death's arrows at him are misgiving?

5. None knows when those shafts will smite
And pierce his back or his heart's core blight.

6. My branches withered though flourishing before,
My back is bent though erect of yore,

7. My teeth are lost though gleaming in prime,
My frame's enfeebled though stalwart in time.

8. My youth's abode time's fallen into decay
With hoary elders' gibes I'm fraught all day.

9. Of passions youthful, now I've had my fill,
Though once with yearning for them I did thrill.

10. If fate's lightning one day should strike
The pillar Thráhlán, it would alike.

11. Though we're in death's abode, yet it is but
A gateway to life that leads from the rut.

12. The mill of death forever turns round
Grinding all down into the ground.

13. Of this I'm sure, I'm aware full well,
My deeds are of one who knows not, nor can tell.

14. Yet still I ride passions' steed today
Until I'm summoned hence away.

15. Then surely I will regret and grieve
The visage of my end I'll not perceive.

16. My intercessor be good thoughts I've nursed,
My hopes in Him in Whom I have faith immersed.

17. That He has guided me to this, thanks be to Him,
Numbered more drops than ever streamed from a fountain's brim.

18. To Him my supplications and my prayers,
To protect me from hell in my failing years.