Behold the almond tree: the precious grey hair
A sign of old age, which demands respect.
The strong man is bent while on the "third leg".
The grinder cease, because they are few.
Those that look thro' the window are dimmed.
The door of the streets are shut.
In deep meditation, he goes to bed late:
And rises at the voice of the birds.
Afraid of what is high; terrors in the way.
Worldly desire fail, spiritual quests rise:
As man prepared for eternal home
Such is the life of the old man;
Respect him, regard him, revere him.
For abusing the old, many run mad,
For snatching his staff, destiny ruined.
Elders deserve prostration, not bowing,
Stand for them to sit, help on errands,
Avoid irritating language, observe courtesy,
Do not argue maintain silence.
senescent but not senile; learn from the old man.
The words of the elders are words of wisdom.
When an old man dies , a library is lost!
