In the quiet of the morning I heard a knock at my door

the quiet of the morning I heard a knock at my door: I threw on my clothes and opened it myself. I asked who it was who had come so early to see me: He said he was a peasant, coming with good intent. He brought a present of wine and rice-soup, Believing that I had fallen on evil days. "You live in rags under a thatched roof And seem to have no desire for a better lot. The rest of mankind have all the same ambitions: You, too, must learn to wallow in their mire." "Old man, I am impressed by what you say, But my soul is not fashioned like other men's. To drive in their rut I might perhaps learn: To be untrue to myself could only lead to muddle. Let us drink and enjoy together the wine you have brought; For my course is set and cannot now be altered."