What purpose soever God conceiveth + 

He accomplisheth; none his intent may defy⁠— + 

God, who o’ertaketh the eagle’s wing, + 

Who outstrippeth the dolphin, o’er waves though it spring, + 

And the pride of man to the dust can bring, + 

While unto the lowly one glory he giveth + 

That waxeth not old as the years fleet by. + 

But for me is it well that I lack not discretion + 

From slander’s viper-fangs to refrain. + 

Ay, venomous-tongued Archilochus’ fate + 

Have I known from of old, and his low estate + 

Who with rancorous speech fed fat his hate. + 

Of all things that Fortune can give in possession + 

Riches with wisdom are best to attain. + 