[Intro, instrumental] [Verse 1] Refrain from mourning what has passed away, And model your own life upon the present, Upon the living texture of the real. And those who once took flight and ran away — Forget them, pardoning their weakness or their quirks… Let silence ring for them far louder than their cries! [Chorus] Let them live on without your warmth, Without your worried question: How are you? For you have drawn back the heart you once extended. The depths of your own soul have pushed them out! [Verse 2] You were the background — and a tiresome one, at times — You were, for them, the bearer of all gentleness and peace, You were a diamond in a heap of rubble, But they were blinded by the crown you gave them, And so they took your rarity to be A cheap substitute, fit only for the worthless! [Chorus] Let them go seek in others that same timbre, That tenderness, that authenticity of manner, The readiness to pardon all their negligence, And your music, drawn from higher spheres! [Verse 3] The gifts you cast before the feet Of certain frivolous and flighty madams — Shall bring, in time to come, such consolation As to give rise to wonder and delight, For the invested energy returns, And balance comes, though slow in its arrival, Yet the rewards shall surpass all expectation, Fulfilling your most secret, cherished wishes! [Bridge] Better to go hungry... [break] than to eat just anything... [break] And better to be alone... [break] than with just anyone... [break] [Chorus] And let the fate of those concern you little Who once devalued you, and into your success Poured their own doubts, or mockery, or spite… You grew for your own sake, against all odds! [Outro, instrumental]