1. When a man is silent, his foes are few
Though events confine him bed-ridden awhile

2. Yet he tastes life’s blood in his quietude
As silence thus lessens his major sin

3. A gnat’s buzz, when it stings, has no melody
While you are pained by its vicious sting

4. If a fool assails you with blabbering blade
Counter it with your patience, give him no heed