Do not put the humble among the noble in your calculations.
How much lesser must a man of honour value his person and wealth!
How much less is his body worth!
So he must marry them:
With what he has and without what he wants.
other readings further drafts from the same generation
deeper strata where the meaning thins
the original
1.
Or fame or life,
Which do you hold more dear?
Or life or wealth,
To which would you adhere?
Keep life and lose those other things;
Keep them and lose your life:--which brings
Sorrow and pain more near?
2.
Thus we may see,
Who cleaves to fame
Rejects what is more great;
Who loves large stores
Gives up the richer state.
3.
Who is content
Needs fear no shame.
Who knows to stop
Incurs no blame.
From danger free
Long live shall he.