1. I bear patiently what faults I meet from those I fondly greet,
And though I'm hurt, till none are left I'm free to go and meet.

2. When I think one sincere, and give him love without a fear,
His stinginess will never let good men think well of him.

3. I wonder, are they all to blame, or am I not the same?
I find no one who will agree with all I say and see.

4. I'm pleased by none who visits me, and none I visit he,
I'd like to find someone who says 'You speak the truth' to me,

5. And if I err, will not concur, but show me what should be.
The people are but two kinds: fools defending without minds,

6. Or knowledgeable hypocrites with poisoned honeyed lines.
Of those I thought were friends, I hear backbiting ends,

7. They say, behind my back, what face to face offends,
Thus do I act with foe who vies, till pressed by straitened sides.

8. No swift runner, making haste, do watchers say has paced,
But when the pack presses in, his skill and speed are traced.

9. Yet I give each man his due, and when true proofs accrue,
I judge my foe impartially, as justice would pursue,

10. If stubborn foe contends, woe to him, heaven descends.
My tongue when speaking is a sword that cuts opposing words.

11. If I speak wisdom, it takes wing among the old and young.
I'm not as those who say one thing, then hold their honeyed tongue,

12. To those who'd undermine me, I give courtesy.
And those who'd friendship find in me, find sincere amity.

13. I humble myself before a friend, though proud if foes offend,
My people, have I harmed? Or spoken as I should defend?

14. God refuses lies be told, hearts hold deceit untold.
The truth He raises. False trails He in souls effaces.