Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Plumptre 1878).djvu/515

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But to the simple, speaking fewest words,

Plain teacher found.

Thou shalt find a God

Who knoweth not or charity or grace,

But loves strict justice, that and that alone.

Whoso will enter in a monarch's house

Is but his bond-slave, though he come as free.

In many a turning of the wheel of God

My fate revolves and changes all its mood;

E'en as the moon's face never keepeth still

For but two nights in one position fixed,

But from its hiding-place first comes as new,

With brightening face, and thenceforth waxeth full;

And when it gains its noblest phase of all,

Wanes off again, and comes to nothingness.

Counsel of evil travelleth all too quick.

If any man beginneth all things well,

The chances are his ends agree thereto.

Words that are false bring forth no fruit at all.

Though one be poor, his fame may yet stand high.

Not one whit worse the poor whose heart is wise.

What profit is there from our many goods,

If care, with evil thoughts,

Is still the nurse of fair prosperity?