1. Alas! Once I had no want of thee,
No need for help you could bestow,

2. Though now a trifle would seem much
If you your promises fulfill.

3. No harm in you if you had given
And the Caliph in his mercy will

4. The freeman may keep plighted troth,
And act today as erst he spoke.

5. Would I were I, would Fate change not!
Time was, is not, and on will roll.

6. You promised but ask not what was pledged
Would that your word had been but jest!

7. Your bounty grudged and from the first
You said, tomorrow, tomorrow, nay!