When we would set forth

A number of things in real existence,

We speak of them as the myriads;

And man is only one of them.

Men occupy all habitable continents,

But of whose lives are maintained

By foodstuff -- wherever vessels reach,

People form only one portion

On the range of global survival.

Thus compared with a myriad of things,

Men are not equal to a single hair

On the tail of a nimble squirrel.

Within this range are comprehended

All the vassal territories which

The sovereigns receive in succession

From one another; all which

The royal founders of the ancient dynasties

Contended for; all which excite

The anxiety of benevolent citizens;

All which men in the government offices

Still toil for: disputed lands and contested isles.

They act as they do, making much of themselves--

Therein like you who do so of yourself

Because of the volume of lifetime commitments!