1. A brother came to me after a long absence
When he was away, I would recite his name in verse

2. He came with plentiful kindness and hid it
As a shepherd hides thorns in the fold's midst

3. I said "Have you brought me a gift?"
He said "It's myself," I said "Would I give a cur praise?"

4. It's the self, I wouldn't mourn it if it came to harm
Nor wish I'd seen any blessing brought its way