Every man may well proceed on his mission;

But let me repeat to you what I have heard

From sagely people: skilful wrestlers, they say,

Begin with open trials of strength, but always

End with masked attempts to gain a victory;

As their excitement grows excessive,

They display much wonderful dexterity.

Parties drinking at first observe an order,

But always end with complete disarray;

As their excitement grows excessive,

Their fun becomes uproarious and erratic.

In all things it is so. People are at first sincere,

But always end with becoming rude; as a rule,

At first things are treated as trivial, but as the end

Draws near, they assume great proportions, for sure.

The breath comes angrily, as when a beast,

Driven to death, wildly bellows forth its rage.

On this animosities arise on both sides.

Hasty examination of the case eagerly proceeds,

And revengeful thoughts arise in their minds,

But they do not know how. Since they do not know

How such thoughts arise, who knows how they will end?