Classic Poem

In the world which does not endure, men who have sought to endure,
have made their own fame firm and then they have vanished!
Men of immense wealth, of unapproachable eminence, have failed
to create an awareness of any lasting connection with their ancestors,
since to those in need who made requests of them, they gave nothing!
While I stood and sang of that leader, who owns strong horses,
who has a radiant and flawless reputation, who grants to singers
murderous elephants with lovely foreheads, bells dangling to their feet
ringing in alternating rhythm, he spoke and what he said to me was,
“I can't bear being so weak! When I see a great being in need, for him
to go away without anything would be worse than losing my land!”
So he handed me his sword and he offered me his head for there was nothing
better for him to give me than himself! I have come here to you now
overwhelmed with joy as if from a victory
for I have seen your elder brother and his unyielding determination!