1. I care not for captivity’s pains, my friend,
Nor prison’s bars, nor hunger’s griping pains.

2. I chose not this, but bow to what God decreed,
As hunger tames the courage of the lion.

3. Prison, do what you will, for I have steeled
My soul for death - my conscience is serene.

4. If living here has caused me any loss,
No pearl would dwell content in its own shell.