I’ve read it, in youth, in some so-called classic.
In the family prayer-book? Or Solomon’s Proverbs?
Alas, I notice that, year by year,
My memory for dates and for places is fading.
[Seats himself in the shade.
Here’s a cool spot to rest and to stretch out one’s feet.
Why, look, here are ferns growing—edible roots.[roots.]
[Eats a little.
’Twould be fitter food for an animal;—
But the text says: Bridle the natural man!