1. We rejoice at feast days, Oh how strange!
Yet each feast that passes marks another year.

2. Life is a pearl in an orderly string,
Should we rejoice when the string's pearls diminish year by year?

3. In this wide world none are truly wise,
All wander astray, no thought of life’s brevity.

4. Thanks be to God for what is decreed,
Such is His wisdom regarding mankind.