Page:Miscellanies - With a biographical sketch by Ralph Waldo Emerson and a general index to the writings. -- by Thoreau, Henry David.djvu/366

346 Thetis bore in Phthia, losing

His life in war by arrows,

Being consumed by fire excited

The lamentation of the Danaans.

But if any mortal has in his

Mind the way of truth,

It is necessary to make the best

Of what befalls from the blessed.

For various are the blasts

Of high-flying winds.

The happiness of men stays not a long time,

Though fast it follows rushing on.

Humble in humble estate, lofty in lofty,

I will be; and the attending dæmon

I will always reverence in my mind,

Serving according to my means.

But if Heaven extend to me kind wealth,

I have hope to find lofty fame hereafter.

Nestor and Lycian Sarpedon—

They are the fame of men—

From resounding words which skillful artists

Sung, we know.

For virtue through renowned

Song is lasting.

But for few is it easy to obtain.