1. No good is there in wealth when given, amassed,
If I'm made bare then with what I gained clothed was I.

2. Of no benefit is it when morn appears,
If but a thread conceals me, then thread am I.

3. God made me of water, yet behold I flow,
As flows water, by decree directed was I.

4. Created for a purpose I knew not true,
Would that from God's reckoning exonerated was I!

5. I see a loincloth's image, Fate has filled it out,
Revealed from it a little, then hidden was I.

6. Why did I accept what once I disapproved?
And left was I to time's caprice confounded was I.

7. Does the lion know when clamped are jaws on him,
A mouth decreed to rend his cheeks was I?

8. As if in empty plains a lost traveller were we,
The path we missed, no guide among us was I.

9. Would night but speak, he'd call how much in gloom saw he!
Dawn came, imprisoned in needs, compelled was I.

10. And men made me serve in their treacherous affairs,
As if a camel for mankind enslaved was I.

11. No patience for a pauper beneath his want,
Raiders raided but by raiders plundered was I!

12. Folk when devout are angels numbered,
But rebels when transgressing, evil spirits was I.

13. Flatter me not, I've a soul that's tried,
Pleased when blamed, when praised embarrassed was I.

14. And if praised for good that's not my way,
I'm counted among the ugly damned was I.