1. The monkey trembles, thinking
I've lost my mind, delusional.

2. The monkey tried, for my sake,
To reverse what can't reverse.

3. Does he imagine, I wonder,
That the sun's eye can be blinded,

4. If he whispers? For in truth,
Monkeys prosper, while I'm cursed.

5. The youth now sings though he's
Mute, a hypocrite among men

6. Made wretched, while time itself
Is most wretched. Say to him from me,

7. Though I've become most errant and wise,
Curse time if you wish, do wrong, act proud,

8. Nothing of you is sacred to me,
Yours is the sacred zeal.

9. How could my doubts not grow strong
When your poems are studied?

10. The sun's light cannot be snuffed out,
While shadows can be grasped.

11. I never thought myself anything,
While the likes of you I esteem.

12. I'm told you've become a poet,
My lungs are too narrow to breathe.

13. Then I comforted my heart
After it was confused and stalled.

14. I said: As long as our brother's
Not unhorsed, we are well.

15. The days of woe have not gained
Like you, except when bankrupt.