1. I comforted her, tired and worn,
Exhausted, limping wearily along,

2. Her neck drooping, her strength all gone,
A withered thing you'd think had no life long.

3. When spring returned she was but skin and bone,
Walking with care lest she strike a stone.

4. Her master took her back, a welcome boon,
She begged water from the rain with panting moan,

5. When clouds would mock her, speeding past so fast,
She gazed at them with eyes of longing vast,

6. At dawn the travelers left, their beasts athirst
Till they could reach the well, though like to burst.

7. They drained the lovely meadows' channels dry
And milked the udder that was wrinkled, shy.

8. O what a lovely place with palms outspread!
Where are the gazelles that grazed and fled

9. With faces that no blemish ever marred,
Hooves that scattered the pebbles near and far,

10. When in the gloaming they were folded in,
Their jeweled collars shone beneath their chin.

11. For days, desire, I tended you with care,
Enduring absence, separation's snare,

12. Until I wasted away in despair,
Say to the one whose slander was not fair,

13. Scorning my merit, ranking me not there,
In your ignorance you judge what you can't know

14. Live on in envy, hate me, be my foe!
I will oppose, though shaken by your blow,

15. Patient, though stung by unkind acts you sow,
Till every slanderer is laid low,

16. I shun the gifts of those I disavow.
Would you were pure gold and perfect in show!

17. But if tried by fire, you'd melt and flow.
Before you I endured a treacherous band,

18. Who smiled at me while scheming underhand.
When she who blames glanced sidelong in disdain,

19. I gently chided her with soft refrain,
The heads withdrew, the busy tongues were still,

20. Say what you will of me, reproach your fill!
Death's drought will one day in my mouth distill,

21. Perhaps I'll pardon you and wish no ill.
The gnat still strives to criticize and sting!