Below is my attempt at "translating" (see notes from earlier on Thomas Merton) Hesiod's Greek (using Perseus) for the second major chunk of his text - lines 11 through 41.
Is there but one kind of strife upon the earth?
No, there are two. A man who came to know the first
would applaud. The second he would blame. They are
two souls. One fosters evil war and ceaseless fights.
Her no mortal loves, but under force, and through
will of deathless gods, men honor deadly strife.
But indeed, the other one dark Night birthed first.
Heaven dwelling Zeus, who sits on high, placed her
in the roots of earth. Much better to man is she:
rousing work in all alike - the lazy too;
for a man craves work who sees another rich -
of a truth it urges him to plow for crops,
building well his home. Neighbor with neighbor strives,
goading on to wealth - this strife is good for men.
Potter to potter, carpenter to carpenter
grudges, beggar envies beggar, and poets too resent.
Perses, O put these things within your heart.
Don't let evil strife restrain your heart from work,
watching raptly, hearing quarrels in the court.
For there's little care for arguments and courts
save abundant store has been laid safely down
in due time - Demeter's grain which earth brings forth.
When enough's heaped up, then bring dispute about
someone else's stuff (though you will only once
get that kind of chance). But here, let us sort out
our fight by justice, godly and most excellent.
For indeed, when we divided inheritance
by large gifts you carried off the greater part,
bribing gold-greedy lords who love to judge such suits.
Fools! Who cannot discern the half of a thing from the whole,
nor the greatness of mallow or the profit in asphodel.
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