In former days I made a journey

To one island in the Indian Ocean

To get the priceless Mani Pearl

I had vowed in earnest to get.

I went directly to the Water Dragon’s Den

The Dragon-king, to guard the treasure,

Had hidden it deeply inside his ear.

Brandished their sparking weapons;

So, there was no empty place where

I could search for my valued quest.

But when I realized that it was easier

For a camel to go thru the eye of a needle

Than for a thief to enter into the Dragon's ear,

It was too late to abandon my daring plan. . .

On the way home when the waves beat

Against my ship's board, it dawned suddenly

Upon me -- all the while the pearl had

Truly was. I said to myself: Stop chasing after it!

You will never get the way you see fit,

As from all sides this is perfectly round bead.