I have heard the serpent said to the wind,

“I get along by moving my backbone

And ribs, appearing to have some means

Of a quick advancement. But now you, sir,

Rise with a blustering force in the north

And go on in the same way to the south

Seemingly without any bodily exertion.

How does it take place?” The wind said,

“Yes. With such a blustering force I rise

In the north and go on to the south and then

Blow backward, but every single folk is able

To point to me with his finger and pierce

Through my body, even treading on me,

And thus is superior to me. . . Nevertheless,

It is only me who’s able to break lofty trees,

Blow down tall towers and great houses;

Hence, my lot is to accomplish great feats,

Not dealing with trifles. It seems that one

Whom such things are small to overcome

May be considered as a great overcomer,

But it’s only one who overcomes oneself

Is truly mighty to be called ‘Great Conqueror.’”