1. O honorable and virtuous judge
Supreme over the judges of the age

2. We are gathered in a rough place
A cramped, moonlit dwelling

3. Devoid of good, filled with evil
I live a time of pain and harm

4. Nights of wakefulness, days of heat
I have lost my fortitude and patience

5. And when my thoughts come
I have only my overflowing complaints

6. To set down in verses
To a polite and esteemed lad

7. So hear my troubles and forgive my excuse
My inkwell is empty of ink

8. And I cannot find any to buy
So please, may God prolong your life

9. With the like of it, ink and paper in plenty
Amidst fine compositions and publications

10. And a lord of glory and pride
Attained by the free with small payment