The Veteran [German translation]

When I was young and bold and strong,

Oh, right was right, and wrong was wrong!

My plume on high, my flag unfurled,

I rode away to right the world.

"Come out, you dogs, and fight!" said I,

And wept there was but once to die.

But I am old; and good and bad

Are woven in a crazy plaid.

I sit and say, "The world is so;

And he is wise who lets it go.

A battle lost, a battle won-

The difference is small, my son."

Inertia rides and riddles me;

The which is called Philosophy.

• Artist:Dorothy Parker