1. I fell ill, a stranger, amongst honored folk,
Yet when I sought their kindness, aloof they played,

2. As though my thanks they did not covet
Or paths to me the ages never paved,

3. They came to greet me while in health I stayed,
And if sickened, shunned me, yea afraid,

4. Such is their way with one diseased, in truth,
So who will for me intercede and aid?

5. But for my patience and respect for them,
My verses would have stung like serpents bred,

6. And were it not for love of friend and kin,
My words would shake even mountains stedfast bed.