MY KING, thou hast called me to play my flute at the roadside, that they who bear the burden of voiceless life may stop in their errands for a moment and sit and wonder before the balcony of thy palace gate; that they may see anew the ever old and find afresh what is ever about them, and say, 'The flowers are in bloom, and the birds sing.'
IF THEY ANSWER not to thy call walk alone, If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall, O thou of evil luck, open thy mind and speak out alone. If they turn away, and desert you when crossing the wilderness, O thou of evil luck, trample the thorns under thy tread, and along the blood-lined track travel alone. If they do not hold up the light when the night is troubled with storm, O thou of evil luck, with the thunder flame of pain ignite thine own heart and let it burn alone.
