They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it And set it in its place, and it stands; From its place it shall not move. Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer Nor save him out of his trouble.
The workman molds an image, The goldsmith overspreads it with gold, And the silversmith casts silver chains.Whoever is too impoverished for such a contribution Chooses a tree that will not rot; He seeks for himself a skillful workman To prepare a carved image that will not totter.
Everyone helped his neighbor, And said to his brother,“ Be of good courage!”So the craftsman encouraged the goldsmith; He who smooths with the hammer inspired him who strikes the anvil, Saying,“ It is ready for the soldering”; Then he fastened it with pegs, That it might not totter.
The blacksmith with the tongs works one in the coals, Fashions it with hammers, And works it with the strength of his arms. Even so, he is hungry, and his strength fails; He drinks no water and is faint.