Maxims of Theognis: But now they (riches) pass-me-by

But now they (riches) pass-me-by, though I knew them, and I am mute through poverty, though still knowing better than many. Wherefore we are borne-on now, having pulled down our white sails, from the Melian Sea, through murky gloom: but they do not choose to bale the ship, and the sea surmounts both the vessel’s sides, whereby with great difficulty any one saves himself: yet the sailors are slumbering, and have made the pilot, good though he was, cease from his work, the pilot who used to watch over it understandingly. By force they plunder property, order is upset, and no longer is there an equal distribution in common: but the porters bear-rule, and the mean are above the noble. I fear lest haply the waves should ingulf the ship. Let thus much have been wrapt in riddles darkly, for the men-of-worth; but a man, if he be wise, would be cognizant also of the evil.