As the fleeting world passes in mortal sorrow, both the bright days of joy and the dark hours of grief inevitably find their end. He who girds his loins in pursuit of insatiable greed prolongs the burdens of this world beyond endurance. Though seeking renown and high status is worthy—even if it means braving the dragon's fiery breath—one must remember that this transient inn, whether vast or narrow, grants no lasting stay. Those who bow as slaves to desire and seek bitter vengeance shall win no praise from anyone in all the earth. When the erect cypress bends with age in the garden of life, its brilliant lamp dims to darkness; its leaves wither, its roots grow fragile, and its crown stoops low toward the dust. Man springs from the soil and to the soil he returns; all around him lies a realm of dread, grief, and perpetual care. The true treasure of a person endowed with wisdom and dignity is to harm none and live unburdened by greed. Knowledge and truthfulness form the bedrock of the soul; without them, the spirit sinks into decay. Though a man should abide long in this mortal realm, the weariness of the flesh will at last compel his departure. This world is a fathomless ocean with no shore in sight, its storehouse of secrets locked away without a key. However much wealth one gathers, thirst for more persists, yet even that which has been consumed will one day bring torment. Three things alone are indispensable to human life, and none can reproach a soul for seeking them: food to sustain the body, raiment to clothe it, and a shelter to rest. Once one passes beyond these three basic needs, all else becomes toil and avarice. Knowing that this realm abides for no one, why strain the sweet soul for that which must fade? Enjoy what is possessed and crave no excess, for unbridled greed diminishes a noble man's honor.