1. She saw me pale and thin, confined to my bed,
Wasted away by persistent illness.

2. She thought I had a terrible disease, and shunned me,
Fearing she might be tainted by my horrors.

3. When she came to visit, she would ask after me
Secretly from my room's occupants.

4. How strange that the sickness spread from her
To my heart, flowing through my veins and ribs!

5. I got it from her cheeks and lips -
I got it from her sweet suckling kiss.

6. I do not complain to people of my condition,
Nor do I weep or groan in pain.

7. But my eyes see death creeping
Upon a sickened liver and battered heart.

8. It is not death that horrifies me, but rather
To pass away without a chance to say farewell.