which path

Upon the path the young man trod

Abandoned bright and gay

There he came upon a fork

Not knowing his true way

Said the elf beside the road

The guardian of the truth

Two paths you see before

Each can take your youth

.

The path you see over there

In colourful pastels bright

Is full of youthful pursuits

Your parents think not right

That path you’ll need a gamblers throw

For love in carnal form

With wasteful conversations

And a bed that’s always warm

Strong liquor will pass your lips

Good food you taste with glee

Adventure will constantly seek

As will joyous frivolity

.

This other path of piety

Obedience to the law

Abstinence and sobriety

With meager wealth be poor

The days spent in labour

The nights in marital bed

The Sabbath spent in praise

With confessions for life led

Clothes be black and somber

No fashion or gaudier wear

Walking in the shadows

No one knows your there

.

Both will end at the same place

No body will be stronger

Both lives will be led to the full

Only one will seem much longer