Theragāthā

Verses of the Senior Monks

Chapter of the Twos

2.37. Soṇa­po­ṭiriya

Night, with its garland of stars,
Is not just for sleeping.
Those who are conscious will know
That night is also for waking.

If I were to fall from the back of an elephant
And be trampled by the tuskers that follow,
Better for me to die in battle,
Than to live on in defeat.