1. I do not say to a sincere friend
When sleep has seized his eyelids,

2. “Take it,” lest he does not relish it
And takes it when it burdens him.

3. But I turn the cup from him
And divert it with a raise of my eyebrows,

4. And withhold it until he desires it,
And give it to him gently from my hand.

5. Thus I act as long as I live,
And I am kinder to him than his parents.