The mass and majesty of this world, all That carries weight and always weighs the same Lay in the hands of others; they were small And could not hope for help and no help came: What their foes liked to do was done, their shame Was all the worst could wish; they lost their pride And died as men before their bodies died.
La masse et la majesté de ce monde, Tout ce qui a du poids Et pèse toujours autant Reposait entre les mains des autres; ils étaient insignifiants Et ne pouvaient espérer aucune aide et aucune aide ne vînt: Ce que leurs ennemis voulaient fut fait, Leur honte, pire sort on ne pouvait souhaiter; Ils perdirent leur fierté Et, hommes, ils moururent avant leurs corps.