I laid my eyes on a silver wood,
That rose abrupt from yonder sky.
Melodic voices to me they cry
of wealth and fortune, so if I should
Come hither there I'd find myself,
Incumbent with the ease of life;
Twixt sterling boughs resides no strife,
But simply peace and joy and health.

I ventured out to meet this world,
Of argent wonders, of works divine
Among fallen leaves revealed cruel design;
Neath pure boughs, dark quicksand swirled
A trap it was for there I stayed
Struggling with the sand, for days long
Escaped at last, but was dismayed,
For there among resplendent throng;
The lowest stayed below.