Sol 5.6

  1. O seeker of ease, know this: the difficult is sweeter.

    And ask the singer of the hardest strains.

  2. Beauty is precious, but greater beauty more precious still;

    and everyone is a buyer—every ware has its market.

  3. The rain cloud is high, and the sky above it higher.

    Whenever one summit rises, another comes to tower beyond it.

  4. Hardship becomes welcome when I say, “Hard one, welcome.”

    Since you seek me, O hardship, you are my longing.

  5. I love to master the filly that plays hard to get,

    and I love to tame every mettlesome steed that runs wild.

  6. I love to journey with a cloud that climbs on high,

    and I love the lightning flashing above the clouds.

  7. I love to keep vigil with my full moon when it appears in splendor,

    and sketch the sun’s rays at sunrise.

  8. O you who took command of my rebellious heart,

    be tender with this proud heart.

  9. The noblest proud man, humbled in this life,

    drives his years toward the noble heights, as I drive mine.

  10. I chose you from all people as my heart’s beloved,

    for you are my desire, my delight, and my taste.

  11. I never went seeking every handsome soul who adorned himself;

    were you not worthy, I would not have given you my beating heart.

Sol 5.6