1. No matter what evil youth you see
Assailing you with rancor and malice,

2. Begrudging you your right while blaming you,
Then leaving it to other hands.

3. For if you see the camels large and sleek,
Yet find at dawn no milking pails for us,

4. Still we've fat sheepfolds, gifts of God
Dispenser of all boons to mortal men.

5. They longed and longed for seas until,
With straining necks, they had their fill of brine.

6. My stead's tall branches dare the yelling winds
In every gust, swaying but still standing straight.

7. The daughters of fate honor no abode
That lacks a tent peg driven deep to stay.

8. When years turn harsh, they're off, and never mind
The decades past. Guests come and go: they stay

9. Awhile, received with honor, then move on.
That for us is riches. Praise endures.

10. So temper, man, your blame—don't play the fool.
Their daughters' daughters drew; they had their fill,

11. No arrow missed its mark. And now
The spider's mother comes to upbraid us!

12. I said, "Forbear! Forget those ancient days."
She spied a riftless ruin, proof against

13. Assault. I share it out for debts and alms.