When men shake hands with time, time crushesThem like tumblers; little pieces of glass.

Hold tight to what is most yourself,Don't squander it, don't let your lifeBe governed by what disturbs you.

Good men's actions are naturalWhile a scoundrel's charityIs carefully planned to please.

Some people are like an open grave:You give it the thing you love mostAnd then get nothing in return.

You're given the fruit of one palm tree:Bear it a basin of clear water.Don't trouble with the plight of other palms.