1. With our own selves, not with vain shows and bragging speech,
We come to you, who from complaint hidest or dost impart.

2. O company of those who visit me, let me no more
Hear from you griefs about me, though solicitude incite your speech.

3. We lived in glory during your prime, which found
And when we said, "A limb of glory is impaired,"

4. We did not deal justly with the lion when we shared his spoil,
Yet did not share his zeal when daring came.

5. A pallor showed upon his face while their praise
Of his teeth was the pure pearl's yellowish white.

6. And his soft padded paw was like the fire
That gloweth bright on the litten waves by night.

7. Nor fearest thou to see the tall sapling of the Arak-tree
Blown by the spicy wind that clips it from its root.

8. No age makes the dog rabid if his life is long:
Nay, but rabid is only the honourable knight.