"The life of mortals in this world is troubled and brief and
combined with pain. For there is not any means by which those
that have been born can avoid dying; after reaching old age there
is death; of such a nature are living beings. 15
"As ripe fruits are early in danger of falling, so mortals when
born are always in danger of death. 16
"As all earthen vessels made by the potter end in being broken,
so is the life of mortals. 17
"Both young and adult, both those who are fools and those who are
wise, all fall into the power of death; all are subject to death. 18
"Of those who, overcome by death, depart from life, a father
cannot save his son, nor kinsmen their relations. 19
"Mark! while relatives are looking on and lamenting deeply, one
by one mortals are carried off, like an ox that is led to the
slaughter. 20
"So the world is afflicted with death and decay, therefore the
wise do not grieve, knowing the terms of the world. 21
"In whatever manner people think a thing will come to pass, it is
often different when it happens, and great is the disappointment;
see, such are the terms of the world. 22
"Not from weeping nor from grieving will any one obtain peace of
mind; on the contrary, his pain will be the greater and his body
will suffer. He will make himself sick and pale, yet the dead are
not saved by his lamentation. 23
"People pass away, and their fate after death will be according
to their deeds. 24
"If a man live a hundred years, or even more, he will at last be
separated from the company of his relatives, and leave the life
of this world. 25
"He who seeks peace should draw out the arrow of lamentation, and
complaint, and grief. 26
"He who has drawn out the arrow and has become composed will
obtain peace of mind; he who has overcome all sorrow will become
free from sorrow, and be blessed." 27