1 "Why then do you, O man, that of them all 2 Are lord, and eke of Nature sovereign,
eke > also
3 Wilfully make yourself a wretched thrall,
thrall > slave
4 And waste your joyous hours in needless pain, 5 Seeking for danger and adventures vain?
vain > futile; foolish
6 What boots it all to have, and nothing use?
boots it > does it avail
7 Who shall him rue that, swimming in the main,
rue > {Regard with pity or compassion} main > {Any broad expanse of water, here plainly fresh rather than salt}