¹ The tides of life’s countless trials sweep onward,
Everything passes; months roll into years.
With every moment, age slips into decay.
If you would grasp eternal life,
Now spurn the fleeting temptations of this frail life.
Honest virtue is conquered by seductive excess,
And the heart burns with greed and blind desire.
The mind enslaved by empty cares knows no limit.
Silver is worth less than gold, and gold less than virtues.
True peace is to desire nothing beyond what is needed.

² These verses I have often sent for you to read:
I beg you, lend my words your ear.
Do not let empty, perishable pleasures deceive you.
Look, how fleeting is the power of princes and kings!
The slippery glory of mortal life swiftly fades.
Forgive my words, perhaps I have been too talkative.
Remember always to avoid everything excessive.