1. Crowding in my heart are verses though I see
None worthy of them in these times or tribe.

2. How could I praise a people whose roots
Are twisted, bearing neither fruit nor shade?

3. Had they excelled in knowledge and shed baseness
I would have praised their virtue and grace.

4. Had they abandoned morals keeping aloof
I would have praised their generosity and munificence.

5. But they have strayed from this and that
So I do not see how to praise ignorance and stinginess.