The Joyful Wisdom

Narrow souls hate I like the devil,
Souls wherein grows nor good nor evil.

19

Accidentally a Seducer[3 - Translated by Miss M. D. Petre.]

He shot an empty word
Into the empty blue;
But on the way it met
A woman whom it slew.

20

For Consideration

A twofold pain is easier far to bear
Than one: so now to suffer wilt thou dare?

21

Against Pride

Brother, to puff thyself up ne'er be quick:
For burst thou shalt be by a tiny prick!

22

Man and Woman

"The woman seize, who to thy heart appeals!"
Man's motto: woman seizes not, but steals.

23

Interpretation

If I explain my wisdom, surely
'Tis but entangled more securely,
I can't expound myself aright:
But he that's boldly up and doing,
His own unaided course pursuing,
Upon my image casts more light!

24

A Cure for Pessimism

Those old capricious fancies, friend!
You say your palate naught can please,
I hear you bluster, spit and wheeze,
My love, my patience soon will end!
Pluck up your courage, follow me —
Here's a fat toad! Now then, don't blink,
Swallow it whole, nor pause to think!
From your dyspepsia you'll be free!

25

A Request

Many men's minds I know full well,
Yet what mine own is, cannot tell.
I cannot see – my eye's too near —
And falsely to myself appear.
'Twould be to me a benefit
Far from myself if I could sit,
Less distant than my enemy,
And yet my nearest friend's too nigh —
'Twixt him and me, just in the middle!
What do I ask for? Guess my riddle.

26

My Cruelty

I must ascend an hundred stairs,
I must ascend: the herd declares
I'm cruel: "Are we made of stone?"
I must ascend an hundred stairs:
All men the part of stair disown.

27

The Wanderer

"No longer path! Abyss and silence chilling!"
Thy fault! To leave the path thou wast too willing!
Now comes the test! Keep cool – eyes bright and clear!
Thou'rt lost for sure, if thou permittest – fear.

28

Encouragement for Beginners

See the infant, helpless creeping —
Swine around it grunt swine-talk —
Weeping always, naught but weeping,
Will it ever learn to walk?