Jan Kochanowski

On Health

Ye noble health,
In all thy wealth
None know thy cost
'Till thou art lost.

There stands one who
Can scarce see true
Yet say he must
That health robust
Is fortune sheer,
And none more dear;
For rich estate,
Pearls, gems in spate,
The gift of youth,
And beauty's truth,
Positions held,
Great powers spelled,
Are joys, as long-
As health holds strong.

When body pains,
Life's flavour wanes.

Ye jewel bright,
Pray that thou might
My humble place

Bless with thy grace!

 

Translated by: Witold Wojtaszko