It was the course of all ancient kings

To map the signs of Heaven and Earth

And regard them as their Author-in-Chief;

And the ways of Nature and its plain traits

They adopted as their Lord on High, but

A privilege of Doing-Nothing-Besides

They put into their regular practice

As the Unwritten Law enabled them

Bringing the whole world to Due Order.

By Doing-Nothing-Besides they could

Exploit the entire world to the very brim,

Their service and might have done more.

By doing only what should be done,

They were not sufficient for the service

Required from them by their people

And the ruling dynasty's employment.

For this reason, I'm told, the men of old

Held Non-Inaction in most honour.