1. Whenever my friend turns away from me,
And clouds the clear sky, or breaks it off,

2. I do not beg for his water on bent knee,
Nor does he see me in despair bereft.

3. I shun him, then the dust of parting clears
Away from me, nor bitter words I kept.

4. Beware uniting with the vile, for he
Has fangs, if his string of union snaps in two.