1. Penned by a slave while still young
Who thinks dawn is the blackest night

2. His tears at the lovers' evening never end
Nor do his sleepless eyes find rest

3. My eyes fell on everyone with sympathy
As though each was my own child

4. When will my promise of virtue be fulfilled
Now that my watcher has weaned her gaze?

5. Is there any relief for Egypt's pain through me
When all her people are steeped in misery?

6. They spurned both land and sea because of me-
One a dunghill, the other a cesspool.

7. Yet they wearied of mocking me, their quiver
Empty of verses ripe for stealing.

8. Had they felt pity, it would not have eased
Save by my slipper or some similar thing.

9. Those I praise can expect reward.
Those I dispraise get only threats.

10. They made me loathe life, and it is worst
When suffering becomes all you know

11. It was never my habit to tarry with doctors,
For one finds not what is precious.