Prevod

(The perfection of a work lies in uniting the useful with the pleasant.) In a garden full of flowers There stood a great fountain, Whose basin served As a pond for carp, tench, and other fish. To watering alone 5 The gardener gives his care, So that, meanwhile, The fish have no water left to live in. Seeing such mismanagement, His master reprimands him; 10 For though he wants his flowers, He wants to feast on fish as well. And the simple-minded gardener Obeys him so precisely That he leaves the plants unwatered 15 Lest the water in the basin dwindle. After some time has passed, The master returns to the garden, Finds the flowers withered, And, in a temper, speaks these words: 20 “Man, do not water so much That you leave me without fish; Nor take such care of them That you leave me without flowers, you great fool.” The maxim is well worn, 25 But bears repeating: If you aspire to full success, Unite usefulness with delight.