[13] Selfishness stands in the way of spiritual supplication; the prayers for the things which in themselves are forever changing cannot be profitable to any one, but the prayers which spring from the heart for its emancipation are the prayers which count.
15
Learn then in life from uselessness and use, and cast not aside opportunity, youth's golden crown.
For they who shun such moments like desert wastes become, which must be dug and watered again and yet again,
Before the grain will start and bring forth well nourished fruit.
16
Vain are the worldly desires upon which men set their hearts: like a fool who in a mirror looks and wisdom there perceives,
So do the desires of men deceive them, for all created things do surely perish.