From my high castle I look at the town below

Where the natives of Pa cluster like a swarm of flies.

How can I govern these people and lead them aright?

I cannot even understand what they say.

But at least I am glad, now that the taxes are in,

To learn that in my province there is no discontent.

I fear its prosperity is not due to me

And was only caused by the year's abundant crops,

The papers that lie on my desk are simple and few;

My house by the moat is leisurely and still.

In the autumn rain the berries fall from the eaves;

At the evening bell the birds return to the wood.

A broken sunlight quavers over the southern porch

Where I lie on my couch abandoned of idleness.