1. Let me, my friend, when I have lived my days
And soothed my raging sorrows and my pains,

2. And when no more the summer with its heat annoys me
Nor the winter with its rain and numbing cold,

3. When neither hatred stirs me nor rancor moves me,
Nor tears of grief my writings can unfold,

4. When no injustice grieves me that is wrought
Against us nor do I care for wealth or gold,

5. Through your love let me live when time's too narrow
And death o'ershadows my most splendid dreams,

6. And if in verse another me outdo
Leaving me devoid of power it seems,

7. For its art preserve that other's poetry
But mine preserve for the love that in it gleams.