1. Your neighbor bids you peace though he's not free of fault
He means you well though deprived of your door

2. He has needs he hopes to meet
Success guaranteed, if you help complete

3. You, whose knowledge is well-founded
No whim or fancy gets you confounded

4. He whose glory lights up the sky
From low ambition keeps his eye

5. I've come, as you know, to a barren place
Bereft of all that makes life an embrace

6. In Tunis my wants give me pain
Riding what no one would deign

7. A mule, unfed, emaciated, dry
Her wooden frame about to die

8. Autumn has come, no ticket came my way
The wait, the asking fray my day

9. She has a saddle, which reminds me ever
A traveler's foot its dust will never

10. Her strength is gone from constant roar
Propriety demands I ride no more

11. When Tunis was close, I'd walk, well aware
That riding there would make people stare

12. Now winter mud gives me no choice
Though once the people did rejoice

13. I care not what others say
Scowling whene'er I pass their way

14. To you I've bared my plight, graceless, in full
Knowing your goodness will cancel my pull

15. Send ticket for hay without delay
And for bran, let me not pray

16. In winter's grip, extend your benevolent hand
No protection but yours for this wretched man

17. And greet loving family and folk
Who revel in your humor and joke