1. How many a friend bent crooked like a spear
Refused to straighten after protracted bending

2. I accepted him outwardly bright and cheerful
While he nursed inward gloom against me

3. Like a garden of sorrow, his gentleness flourished
Yet he harbored darkness like a moonless night

4. Had I unveiled his heart and its thoughts
I would have mourned what lies between us today

5. I do not stretch out a hand to do evil in return
Nor open my mouth to slander if he wrongs me

6. Like a limb diseased by nights of agony
He who bears the painful limb feels the pain

7. When the wise doctor orders amputation
I say, perhaps sparing it, it may heal

8. I endured its torment fearing its loss
One who blames the reckless causes greater harm

9. Restraint is best when the disease has passed
Though when cut off, it maims the arm and wrist

10. I see you as dearer than my own heart
Though you disobey, more precious and honored

11. I carry you like the eye bears the speck
That never clears but never fully blinds

12. Leave a man folded over his blemishes
And spread not his chronic pain to regret

13. If the limb pains you only when cut off
It leaves no flesh or blood over its aching

14. He who does not accommodate small hurts
Risks facing greater and graver ones