1. Yet people did not know the gift bestowed on me,
Unlike what they were granted, unlike mine on them.

2. They saw their wealth make their homes
Rise high, while my poverty lowered mine.

3. And they knew what their hands held
Was best for this world and the faith.

4. They held tight to it and blocked it off,
Refusing to let go in hardship or ease.

5. So when they were miserly with the transient,
I was miserly with the eternal.

6. Their people's stinginess infected me
Except for some generosity that still

7. Once moved me and for an instant made me
Forget generosity for a while.