1. The proof was slapped, yet shown no mercy,
So it wept tears after which came blood.

2. It had been almost blind before,
But the slap made its blindness total.

3. The new year pelted it with lies
Till it complained of being bruised.

4. They bloodied it with festering wounds
That once were maidens, now but gore.

5. At dawn they descended on its shore
And it saw daybreak filled with gloom.

6. Each lad let fly with kicks and blows
Like a shoe-cobbler in a rage.

7. They made it drink seven bitter drafts,
Nay, seventy more - and still it drank.