English
On the Causes of the World's Existence
A trace of healing is woven into honey,
but not enough to stand against death.
Honey sweetens the temperament of the living,
but for the pain of dying there is no cure.
For someone barely breathing, whose soul
has left the body, what good is honey in the mouth?
One took an iron mace to the skull,
and someone said, rub sandalwood on the ache.
Flee from danger as much as you can,
but do not clash fists with fate.
As long as the insides can take drink and food,
the body stays fresh and clean in form.
This house falls fully into ruin
when temperament and food no longer agree.
The natures are moist and dry, hot and cold;
a man is composed of these four dispositions.
When one of them gains the upper hand over another,
the scales of nature's balance are broken.
If the cool breath of breathing does not pass,
the stomach's heat throws the soul into an uproar.
And if the cauldron of the stomach does not cook the food,
things turn out badly for the delicate body.
Those who truly know do not set their hearts on these,
for they will never stay in harmony for long.
Do not think the body's strength comes from eating;
it is the grace of God that nourishes you.
By His truth, even if you laid your eye on sword and knife,
you could not fully pay the debt of thanks to Him.
When you press your face to the ground in worship,
praise God and do not admire yourself.
Glorifying, remembrance, and devotion are a kind of begging;
a beggar has no business being proud.
Suppose you have done Him some service:
haven't you always lived off the fief He granted you?