The Lord who steals vanity
never tolerates anyone's vanity.
If one is proud and vain,
one is bound to be defeated.

Two princes set out
to capture the thief of the golden lotus.
They hoped to be victorious.
They surrounded the blue sea
with boats, ferries, sampans
and all variety of local craft.

They were sure of catching the flower stealer
and exposing the fairy's evil tricks.

But their minds and hearts were full of vanity.
They were not aware
that God was mysteriously smiling at their vanity.

The fairy carried magic arrows,
and managed to steal away the flower
without the least fear.

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The Divine Thief of vanity
tolerates not arrogance and pride.
For the vain
defeat is preordained.

Two proud princes
in hope of victors' glory
set out to capture
the lotus thief.

With boats and ferries
and a host of craft
they openly surrounded the shining Blue Sea.

They were egotistically sure
of ensnaring their prey
and exposing her cunning ways.

But God was intent on foiling their pride.
The clever fairy
armed with magic spears
outwitted the princely team.

She succeeded, the coveted bloom to steal
without the least inkling of fear.