The way was long, precipitous in view;

I bade my train a different path pursue.

There where the heaven fell we turned a space, 

And marked the western sea as meeting-place.

A thousand chariots gathred in my train,

With axles full abreast we drove amain;

Eight horses drew the carriages behind;

The pennons shook like serpents in the wind.

I lowered flags, and from my whip refrained;

My train of towering chariots I restrained.

I sang the odes. I trod a sacred dance,

In revels wild my last hour to enhance.

Ascending where celestial heaven blazed,

On native earth for the last time we gazed;

My slaves were sad, my steeds all neighed in grief,

And gazing back, the earth they would not leave.



Since in that kingdom all my virtue spurn,

Why should I for the royal city yearn?

Wide though the world, no wisdom can be found.

I'll seek the stream where once the sage was drowned.