1. I have wronged my poetry, yet wrongdoing is not my way,
It obeys me when I call it, and disobeys me,

2. It seeks to mention the ignoble men for what is in them,
So I restrain it from them and commend it,

3. It is not in my character to covet the wealthy man's money, even if he has wronged me,
Nor to mention a deficient man for what deficiency is in him.