1. I have a friend to whom I confide my secrets
The innermost thoughts of my heart and mind

2. I see no veil for my mysteries but him
In my whispers to him and writings confined

3. If my scroll were to come to me during life
I would say take it and see my sins inside

4. And if a book came to him, he would fold it
Tossing aside my rebukes from his eyes

5. I see his books have no mention of my faults
No insults or deficiencies described

6. So for this I've excused him, and by my life
My excuse is painful as a vicious strike