Teach us to number our pain

 

 

There is the instruction of pain

Sent to those tormented by fear

For the object of pain if long suffered

Is to secure that which is precious

 

Pain by his nature

Is dressed like a woman in travail

Merciless and enduring

Vanquished by persistence

 

Pain by his constitution

Is fashioned like the dark before dawn

Thick and impenetrable

Pierced by fortitude

 

He who has long patience for sorrow wrought by pain

He who prevents the enthronement of mischief assembled by pain

Though his labor be not shortened

His joy shall prosper in the morning

 

Pain becomes the mist of memory

To the one who can number his pain

 

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