3 Mortals put an end to the darkness;they search out the farthest recessesfor ore in the blackest darkness.
4 Far from human dwellings they cut a shaft,in places untouched by human feet;far from other people they dangle and sway.
5 The earth, from which food comes,is transformed below as by fire;
6 lapis lazuli comes from its rocks,and its dust contains nuggets of gold.
7 No bird of prey knows that hidden path,no falcon’s eye has seen it.
8 Proud beasts do not set foot on it,and no lion prowls there.
9 People assault the flinty rock with their handsand lay bare the roots of the mountains.