1. I once lagged behind out of hardship and torment,
So they said the diligent one has given up.

2. Those were my enemies who denied me rest,
Though they knew I was the honest one under threat.

3. And my people did nothing but push me
Towards my demise with their endless yelling.

4. They removed me from my place among them
So I left what I shepherd and pledged to uphold.

5. No assembly of their youth contains me now,
Nor do their elders receive me in their sacred place.

6. I avoid the enemy in what I see from them today,
Fearing what tomorrow might bring from them.

7. And I make do with safety alone from them
While others remain defiant rebels against them.

8. I knew who had good and evil within,
So I went to them, affectionate and gentle.

9. But it did not help that I was free and content,
Nor did it matter that I was a confined prisoner.

10. That I was pleased with them when they were kind
And had intimate talks and gave them my hand.

11. Leave me and my affairs for a night or nights
To regain my strength and renew myself.

12. Had I wanted to remain happy, I would have left you
But I stay on - to suffer while you prosper.