1. And he answered me, and said, The Most High has made this world for many, but the world to come for few.
2. I will tell you now a similitude, Esdras; As when you asks the earth, it shall say to you, that it gives very much mould whereof earthen vessels are made, and little dust that gold comes of: even so is the course of the present world.
3. There be many created, but few shall be saved.
4. And I answered and said, Swallow down understanding then, O my soul, and let my heart devour wisdom.
5. For you are come here without your will, and depart when you would not: for there is given you no longer space than only to live a short time.
6. O Lord, that are over us, suffer your servant, that we may pray before you, and give us seed to our heart, and culture to our understanding, that there may come fruit of it, whereby every one shall live that is corrupt, who bears the likeness of a man.