1. What ails your eyes that tears from them do pour
Ceaselessly, neither halting nor forbearing?

2. I weep for one whom death has come to lure
And at our parting, grief beyond comparing

3. If healing could restore the ill at heart
My brother would be sound, and well my caring.

4. If he could be redeemed, my kith and kin
Would pay all that I own and life itself for bearing.

5. But fate's arrows strike whom they are meant to strike
No gentle touch nor any ransom sparing.

6. I'll weep for you as long as maidens sigh
And I walk on with staff, my legs still faring.

7. For you a bereft mother weeps her fill.
Her memories fresh, though years may pass their wearing.

8. Go forth! May God not distance you from men
Whose fate, like yours, is mortal and unsparing.