1. How could you hear the slander spread by the enemy
And think my affection for you was pretense?

2. The greatest in rank shows his greatness best
By swiftly changing when a friend offends,

3. Yet he investigates the truth of the offense,
And when the truth is verified, forgives,

4. Knowing that friends are a band
Whose hearts are created to preserve loyalty.

5. So the pure clarify their love though troubled,
While the hostile grow more hostile, though appeased.