And the boy pleaded... O! Old man, do not forcefully deny or deprive me
of my craven indulgence. For even when I
by any chance end up in that state of extreme intoxication, perhaps in my sober
state I shall reflect with a deep sense of remorse on my many mistakes, and
boldly step on the path of growth… or yet, perhaps not.
But either way, at the tail end of the road, I would sing
with an ounce of gladness to have been counted among those who once upon a
time, were said to have truly lived.
And the old man responded: For a fool shall relish in his
folly, and the words of the wise shall be gravely despised. But to travel the
narrow path filled with thistles and thorns most often carries on to a blissful
end.
And if you must carry out an act, then I beseech that you speak
softly; listen hardly; and tread gently within the wild. For the beasts of the
field approach fast, and in fleeing east the ground may become mire.
Alas! In a wailing cry for help, his hands are raised for a saving clasp, but his feet
are deeply sunken.
