The minds of men are more difficult of approach

Than the place defended by mountain ranges

And wide rivers; and even more difficult to know

Than the heavens themselves.

The heavens have their periods of springs

And autumns, of winters and summers,

And of mornings and evenings, but men's exterior

Are thickly veiled and their feelings lie deep.

Thus the demeanour of some men

Is honest-like, yet they go to excess

In what is mean; others are really gifted,

And yet look to be without ability.

Some seem docile and impressible, but yet

They have far-reaching plans; others look firm,

And yet may be twisted about; others look slow,

And yet they are eager and hasty.

In this way those who hasten to do

What is right, as if they were thirsty,

Will ever and anon hurry away from it

As if it were fire. . . Now to go figure!