1. I rode, and they cried out prayers,
Prayers amid aged men and beardless youth,

2. As though they had seen a sign
Revealed by prophets at a shrine.

3. Before that, their awe was not roused
By the blackness of my father's dye,

4. So are men amazed by anything
Unfamiliar, howsoever it may be.

5. I began, and they were startled,
And if I repeat, they repeat, as trained.

6. No harm in words, unless with them
Deeds flow from a hand.

7. If you bear my legs,
Beware the slippery ground.

8. Not by disablement comes pelting from them.
That is not the way of the generous.

9. I charge you a burden complete
Of favor and thanks in store,

10. And every burden of a craft
Doubles the weight for the anguished.