1. I blame myself for this reproach, though
No free man speaks except while blamed

2. I will be patient with what has come to pass
For time has days, praised and condemned

3. And I will face the morn, my soul still proud
Though lip is sealed, and freedom doomed

4. I'll not reproach what you have brought on me
Nor blame you acts for which you are condemned

5. Nor blame you where you've done a kindness
Fate's threads are rightly woven and hemmed

6. For that deed I made excuses, when
I knew our bread by fate is apportioned

7. Yet it was but the outburst of a soul
Wounded by fate, and broken, sundered

8. Fate turned against me, so offended
By my manners - a grave secret loomed

9. None who meets me, if not patient,
Has o'er himself choice and arbitration

10. To the foolish come comforts and favors
To the asses, delights and blessings

11. If it clothes them and strips me bare, no wonder
The ape laughs while the baboon is gloomy

12. One may live ever starved and famished
While the glutton grows fat and bloated

13. These tales I've penned, fevered and aching
For the thoughts of man are ever troubled