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Better what the eyes can see
than meandering desire.
Yet this too is pointless
and feeding on wind.

10 Whatever he is, he was named long ago,
and it is known that he is merely human;
moreover, he cannot defeat
what is mightier than he [death].
11 There are many things that only add to futility,
so how do humans benefit from them?

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Better what the eye sees
    than the roving of the appetite.
This too is meaningless,
    a chasing after the wind.(A)

10 Whatever exists has already been named,(B)
    and what humanity is has been known;
no one can contend
    with someone who is stronger.
11 The more the words,
    the less the meaning,
    and how does that profit anyone?

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