I heard the old man tell his tale:Tinker, alone within a stormAnd losing hope he clears the leaves beneath a treeSeven stonesLay on the groundWithin the seventh house a friend was foundAnd the changes of no consequenceWill pick up the reins from nowhereSailors, in peril on the seaAmongst the waves a rock looms nearer not yet seenThey see a gullFlying byThe captain turns the boat and he asks not whyAnd the changes of no consequenceWill pick up the reins from nowhereDespair that tires the worldBrings the old man laughterThe laughter of the world only grieves him, believes himThe old man's guide is chanceI heard the old man tell his tale:Farmer, who knows not when to sowConsults the old man clutching money in his handWith a shrugThe old man smiledTook the money, left the farmer wildAnd the changes of no consequenceWill pick up the reins from nowhereDespair that tires the worldBrings the old man laughterThe laughter of the world only grieves him, believes himThe old man's guide is chance