I dive into the deep of eloquence, and from it I choose the pearls and select them:
I cull of speech the ripe fruit and the new; while another gathers but firing of the wood:
I take the phrase of silver, and when I have molded it men say that it is gold.
Now formerly I drew forth wealth by the learning I had gotten; I milked by it:
And my foot's sole in its dignity mounted to ranges above which were no higher steps.
Oft were the presents brought in pomp to my dwelling, but I accepted not every one who gave.
But to-day learning is the chattel of slackest sale in the market of him on whom hope depends.
The honor of its sons is not respected; neither are relationship and alliance with them regarded.
It is as though they were corpses in their courtyards, from whose stench men withdraw and turn aside.
Now my heart is confounded through my trial by the times; strange is their changing.