Sol 5.6

  1. No smallpox ever killed its sufferer

    like a smallpox brought upon him by walls.

  2. His eyes did not grow dazed before those who saw him;

    rather, the clan’s eyes were dazed by them.

  3. Even the full moon, once complete, must wane—

    so why, my people, do you hoard sacks of coin?

  4. How could any trusted man keep faith with a friend

    when his nature is quick to do harm?

  5. The world is a son, and Time its father:

    a wayward offspring and a treacherous sire.

  6. In soil, rock, and fruit,

    and in water, are souls that Fate fashions.

  7. One departs, beyond the reach of any return;

    another arrives, beyond the reach of departure.

  8. If a person escapes its consequences,

    every calamity that befalls him counts for nothing.

  9. A man, when he enters a beauty’s bower,

    is like the foot of a bold strider when numbness seizes it.

  10. Ignorance enfolds us in our conduct;

    no band among us has stood firm, nor have they proved able.

  11. We seek a light whose radiance gleams,

    but between us and it lie that darkness and treachery.

  12. Humble yourselves amid grave trials, and you will rise:

    shooting stars, when hurled as missiles, plunge.

  13. The well-bucket never rises to slake a thirst

    until first it is seen descending.

  14. Ease has hardship before it, and se—

    —renity in life has trouble after it.

  15. Then pour forth bounty—pour forth, brimming—

    hailstones that level man and hulking beast.

  16. If a horse tramples one slain in battle,

    his body, once his spirit is gone, is clods of earth.

Sol 5.6