1. They told her I was sick, and she said,
"Is it a burning fever or a new baby leaving him bedridden?"

2. And they hinted she should visit my bedside,
But she refused, though she longed to return.

3. She came to me in secret, complaining
Of the neck of the neighborhood spy and the distant shrine.

4. And when she saw me thus, she could not restrain
Herself from leaning her bosom gently against me.

5. Then she said to the ashes as she wept,
"Alas for this fresh youth struck down!"

6. And she turned away in hopeless sorrow to hide
Sobs that refused to be silenced.

7. An untrue visit, that quenched no thirst, but
Taught the embers of my heart to burn.