The Cautioner
Each man who's worth the name must know
A yellow Serpent is at home
Within his heart, as on a throne,
Which, if he says: 'I want!' says: 'No!'
Go plunge your eyes into the depths
Of Nixie's eyes, or Satyress',
'Your duty first!' the Tooth will say.
Engender children, nurture trees,
Sculpt marble, polish poetry,
The Tooth says, 'You may die today!'
Despite his hopes, the plans he makes,
Man does not live a moment free
From cautions offered knowingly
By that insufferable Snake.
Přeložil James McGowan
