Of all who went on this long road,
Where is the one who has returned to tell us the secret?
Take care to leave nothing for your needs on this two-ended way,
You will not be coming back.
Lit.
These worldly goods which you need for use –
It is permitted that you should strive to get them,
But laying up what you have not gained by your own efforts is worthless,
Beware lest you barter your days for that.
Lit.
Oh heart! Suppose all this world’s affairs were within your power,
And the whole world from end to end as you desire it
And then, like snow in the desert upon its surface,
Resting for two or three days, understand yourself to be gone.
Lit.