1. You blamed the oppressed for what fate wrought
And accused the happy of what drunkenness brought

2. You shot the arrow of reproach at a wounded heart
Whose chest tomorrow will fill with embers

3. When fate was harsh, you too were unkind
Why not be gentle when fate was unrefined?

4. Yes, you can reproach me no matter my state
If I'm not at fault, I have an excuse

5. And though I endure your rebukes with composure
I cannot bear insults upon my honor

6. I received reproach I could barely swallow
Though all sweetness has bitterness we must follow

7. If preserving your dignity was not my way
I would have said what I knew, as you can say

8. So your bitter reproach brought tears I outlined
As lines on my cheek, summarized in one line

9. Containing the patience to forgive your rebuke
Though his guilt was not intentional, his heart not stone

10. But the noble eye can be excused should it weep
When bounded by chains, whip, and call to order

11. By God, I did not neglect to send you missives
Nor deviate from the path of loyalty, as I live

12. I sent you fresh, beautiful pages for your keeping
Carried to your dear friendship as a wedding dowry

13. They were met by a free man fit to guard them
Who brought them out from the sanctum of his thoughts