A Translation Of S. John Scot his verses, begining Quod vite sectabor iter

WHat course of life should wretched Mortals take?
In Books hard Questions large contention make;
Care dwels in Houses, Labour in the Field,
Tumultuous Seas affrighting dangers yield.
In Forraine Lands thou never canst be blest;
If rich, thou art in feare; if poore, distrest.
In Wedlock frequent discontentments swell;
Unmarried persons as in Deserts dwell.
How many troubles are with Children borne?
Yet he that wants them, counts himselfe Forlorne.
Young men are wanton, and of wisdome voyd:
Gray haires are cold, unfit to be employ'd.
Who would not one of those two offers try,
Not to be borne: or, being borne, to dye?