1. Tell my most faithful friend, most generous
And most eager to thank me for favors done—

2. My gentle brother whose soft nature, if
Prolonged through Time, would see no cruelty there;

3. My innocent friend whose bounty, if allowed
To flow all night, would rival the starry sky;

4. My early benefactor, who, though others come
With helping hands, was first to render aid;

5. Yours is the good—a house made empty of dates
That it may beg of you a few spare dates.

6. So hasten ere the time, which verges on
Ripeness, shows empty baskets, O fair-faced one.