1. I complain to you of a sorrow that knows no relief,
An illness that no doctor comprehends,

2. Of a fate that listens to no good counsel,
A life neither sweet nor pleasant.

3. How many a brother I trusted with my troubles,
Yet from his advice received no gain!

4. I meet him with cheer, he greets me glumly
I offer solace, he returns rebuffs

5. He blames me unjustly, yet the fault is his;
I have heard the call and heeded all reproofs

6. Enough! Flee from such friends gathered together
Naught from them remains but wounds.

7. Were it not for them, no dust would dim my eyes
No sorrows seep into my heart

8. No coverings shroud my bright demeanor
No gray hairs sprout in my parting hair.

9. Nor would the days tear my hide to tatters
With claws that cannot be filed or pared.

10. Nor would misfortunes make their dwelling in me
Nor crosses come to haunt my quarters.

11. When my will was broken and bent awry,
And war broke out again between us,

12. Silencing my complaints, while from his tongue
Pours a stream where falsehood throbs—

13. I forgave his sins until he seemed to me
A laden camel freed of loads.