1. You say, "Poverty's companion disturbs my rest"
I said, "To where, O thirst?" "To the sea," was the reply.

2. "Don't you fear," she said, "the sea's tumultuous tides
That you'll end up empty-handed though now carefree?"

3. I said, "Except for the sea I've longed for,
I wouldn't stir, not even for meadows green."

4. Rather, the sea that, were we to meet, would enrich me,
Freeing me from want, let me be, from poverty.

5. So my ambition has endowed me ambitions
That I've not debased, craving for plenty.

6. "Be humble," she said, "for time, as you can see,
I said, "Yes, between falcon and fish my place will be."

7. And what do I see of this age? Its Lord
Turns it to what He wants, as He sees fit.

8. Can the freeman hope to have his way
When his Master wouldn't let any but the free?

9. So name no time but with good, I say,
And beware of time, for in time good can stay.