1. With eyes that turn away, no gift comes to me,
For I neither seek nor give to the giver.

2. The gift is best when you direct it well
And count it thanks and obligatory reward.

3. Yet some gifts become but debt
And blame that stays, with lies for favors.

4. I've tasted men's morals and their deeds,
And gained knowledge and experience from them.

5. I took from that what I was pleased to take
And left most of what was there aside.

6. When I make a promise I'm like one in debt
Who admits to it and brings a scribe,

7. Until I fulfill it as I aimed it,
And my own self suffices as its seeker.

8. When I act I act without self-reckoning,
And your Lord suffices as reckoner and accounter.

9. When I refuse I clearly refuse,
And relax from long importunity.

10. I don't buy little praise of brief survival
With lifelong blame from all sides pressing on me.