Alas! how wide astray Doth Ignorance these wretched mortals lead From Truth’s own way! For not on leafy stems Do ye within the green wood look for gold, Nor strip the vine for gems;

Your nets ye do not spread Upon the hilltops, that the groaning board With fish be furnishèd; If ye are fain to chase The bounding goat, ye sweep not in vain search The ocean’s ruffled face.

The sea’s far depths they know, Each hidden nook, wherein the waves o’erwash The pearl as white as snow; Where lurks the Tyrian shell, Where fish and prickly urchins do abound, All this they know full well.