A lively, witty, cheerful, and sweet-tongued young man was in our circle of merrymakers, whose heart was untouched by any kind of sorrow and whose lips were always parted in a smile.

Time passed, and we did not happen to meet. After that, I saw him having married and with children, his roots of joy cut off and the flower of his desire withered.

I asked him: 'How are you and what is your condition?'

He said: 'Since I brought forth children, I have not been a child myself anymore.'

What is youth when old age has changed my hair?

And the changes of time are sufficient as a warning.

When you become old, give up childishness

Leave play and wit to the young.

Do not seek youthful joy from an old man

For the water that has flowed away will not return to the stream.

When the crop reaches the time of harvest

It does not sway like new grass.

The time of youth has gone from my hands

Alas and regret for that heart-warming time.

The strength of a lion's paw has passed

I am now content with cheese like a cheetah.

An old woman had dyed her hair black

I said, 'O my ancient mother!'

You may deceptively dye your hair black

This hunched back will not become straight.