Translation of a beautifully crafted poem by the Dutch writer Ida Gerhardt

GARDEN OF EPICURUS

Our choice of ally was frugality.

As willing instrument, the mind controls

the body, being used to that proud role;

pure bread, pure water nourish equally.

Our choice of ally was frugality.

Enclosed within the cycle of the hours,

what’s offered us by thought that freely scours

finds order and repose in stringency.

Our choice of ally was frugality.

We work in silence and with patience strive;

the day is like a honey-sated hive

and in our garden we would friendship see.

Our choice of ally was frugality, -

and hour on hour its gift is our sure gain,

we ripen as the fruits do, as does grain

in good life, to the good death that shall be.

To see the original poem, go to here