² Iron is taken from the earth,
    and copper is smelted from ore.^(A)
3 Mortals put an end to the darkness;^(B)
    they search out the farthest recesses
    for ore in the blackest darkness.^(C)
4 Far from human dwellings they cut a shaft,^(D)
    in places untouched by human feet;
    far from other people they dangle and sway.
⁵ The earth, from which food comes,^(E)
    is transformed below as by fire;
⁶ lapis lazuli^(F) comes from its rocks,
    and its dust contains nuggets of gold.^(G)
7 No bird of prey knows that hidden path,
    no falcon’s eye has seen it.^(H)
8 Proud beasts^(I) do not set foot on it,
    and no lion prowls there.^(J)
9 People assault the flinty rock^(K) with their hands
    and lay bare the roots of the mountains.^(L)
10 They tunnel through the rock;^(M)
    their eyes see all its treasures.^(N)
11 They search^[a] the sources of the rivers^(O)
    and bring hidden things^(P) to light.