Now I will tell you a parable, Esdras. Just as when you ask the earth, it will say to you that it gives very much clay from which earthen vessels are made, but little dust that gold comes from. Even so is the course of the present world.
KJV
2 Esdras 8:2
I will tell thee a similitude, Esdras; As when thou askest the earth, it shall say unto thee, that it giveth much mould whereof earthen vessels are made, but little dust that gold cometh of: even so is the course of this present world.
Parallel Translations
I wil tel thee a similitude, ô Esdras. As when thou askest the earth, it shal say vnto thee, that it giueth muche earthlie matter to make pottes, but litle dust that golde cometh of, so is it with the worke of this worlde.