When he my friend was dark alone,

Then he was defended deep.

Stupidity to bruise the bone,

Or accident in wild seed sown,

Were lost in forest dense as sleep.

The wide uneven waters cold

That rimmed the silence round his heart

Forbade a traveler too bold;

And he was growing wise and old

Safely in danger set apart.

But now he moves in open light

And underfoot the running ground.

Indifferently he wears the slight

Defense against the cold and night

That lately in his love he found,

Nor lacks for armor now or arms.

On every side his enemies give

The same offense, the old alarms.

But man among their height of harms

In danger safely he shall live.