what avail the vigilance

[Mher]

Hi, people. Do I understand this sentence correctly?
Poe's version: "But, alas! what avails the vigilance against the Destiny of man?"
My version: "But, alas! what can help the vigilance to confront the Destiny of man?"

 

[Tdol]

Yes, but how about What help/use is vigilance against destiny?

 

[Mher]

Yes, but how about What help/use is vigilance against destiny?

"What use is vigilance against destiny"? I do not understand the meaning?:-?

 

[Mrfatso]

"What use is vigilance against destiny"? I do not understand the meaning?:-?

The meaning is that it is futile to try to alter your destiny, as it is in the hands of a higher power, God or fate and you cannot alter it.

 

[Tdol]

You can watch all you want, but destiny will have its way, good or bad.

 

[Mher]

You can watch all you want, but destiny will have its way, good or bad.

The meaning of the original sentence is clear. What is unclear is the construction "What use is vigilance..."

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

The meaning of the original sentence is clear. What is unclear is the construction "What use is vigilance..."

In this phrase, use is a noun and What use is an idiom.

What good is alertness?
What value does caution have?
How can being prepared help?
How can you be ready?