upon my mornings wake,
I presented myself before the mirror,
a ponderous though befell me;

" I was once a prettier flower "

so I  summoned the councils,
ordered myself bathed,
in rich milk and fine honey,
as did those of old glorious days,

once again,
I presented myself to the mirror;
a ponderous thought befell me;

" I was once a healthier flower "

so I summoned the councils,
ordered them to make me well,
exotic formulations they did bring,
as did the science of nature; well-known,

the mirror presented itself before me,
a ponderous truth befell me;

" I was once a happier flower "