Riches

That point we'll discuss without passion or fear, With the aim of instructing the listeners here; And haply some few who instruction require May profit derive like the bee from the briar.

Man as thou knowest, in his generation Is a type of the world and of all the creation; Difference there's none in the manner of birth 'Twixt the lowliest hinds and the lords of the earth.

The world which the same thing as man we account In one place is sea, in another is mount; A part of it rock, and a part of it dale— God's wisdom has made every place to avail.

There exist precious treasures of every kind Profoundly in earth's quiet bosom enshrin'd; There's searching about them, and ever has been, And by some they are found, and by some never seen.

With wonderful wisdom the Lord God on high Has contriv'd the two lights which exist in the sky; The sun's hot as fire, and its ray bright as gold, But the moon's ever pale, and by nature is cold.

The sun, which resembles a huge world of fire, Would burn up full quickly creation entire Save the moon with its temp'rament cool did assuage Of its brighter companion the fury and rage.

Now I beg you the sun and the moon to behold, The one that's so bright, and the other so cold, And say if two things in creation there be Better emblems of Riches and Poverty.