Original content

English translation

The driver of every trade is hope and "perhaps," Though their necks have grown like spindles from toil. At dawn, when he heads toward his shop, He runs on hope and "perhaps" for his daily bread. "Perhaps your provision will not come" — why do you go? The fear of deprivation exists — how are you strong? The primal fear of deprivation in seeking provision — Why did it not make you slack in your pursuit? You say: "Though the fear of deprivation lies ahead, This fear is even greater in idleness. In striving, my hope is greater; In idleness, my peril is increased." Then why, O mistrustful one, in the work of religion, Does this fear of loss seize you by the hem? Or have you not seen — idle one in our marketplace — In what did the prophets and the saints trade? From going to this shop, what mine revealed its face to them? How did they bind their profit in this marketplace? Fire became tame for him, like an anklet; The sea became tame for him, became his porter. Iron became tame for him, became like wax; Wind became his servant and subject.