1. Your pardon, what my boldness presumes
Is meet for one like me to shun and fear

2. The conveners but ordained a scheme
And my place in what's said, decorum, hear

3. They gave the weak to first begin in turn
And to the mighty ones conclude in full

4. What station equals his who gets to end
The word when th' luminous all concur?

5. I've gauged myself in this standing-place
Too stiff for me, although stood makes one blanch

6. My standing before his pouring-forth profuse
His words sheer torment and all links entrammel

7. And if his waters well the ears' crevice
Can one like me have utterance apt?