1. Tell me, my friend, for why should I care to hear
Of iron affliction or the patience of boulders?

2. What news have you brought that would vex
My ears and eyes with things seen and heard?

3. My ears have been tricked so I heard no goodness,
And my eyes were traitors so I saw no affection.

4. Let me be deaf to the world and its people,
Blind to the ages and their mournful events.

5. Indeed before this day I armed myself
With an impenetrable armor atop my being.

6. Say to the manifold calamities, count them not,
Enough of me weeping or add to my tears.