The river's flow is ceaseless, yet we know not its source.

Some bubbles that form on the surface of stagnant pools

evaporate while others are still being formed;

no rule suggests that things remain for long.

It is the same example as informs the man of the world

and his house: along the magnificent avenues of the capital

their roofs align, their tiles vying in height

just as the houses of the high- born and low born

give testimony. It seems these buildings will stand

the test of the ages, yet when one examines the truth

of such a perception, one finds few houses that

remain from the past. Some are burning as we speak,

while others are a-building. The houses of the great

and mighty fall into ruin and are replaced by smaller

huts....

Translation by KLR)