1. The free man has suffered enough, agonized enough
His ribs broken, trailing blood in humiliation

2. If he says "please do me a favor tomorrow"
I melt in shame or die regretting

3. A wound in a noble heart is not just a bite
Swallowed, it festers with pus

4. How can the free man avoid, each hour
Being told "I forgot to be generous"

5. Leave aside food the molar disdains to chew
Lest the well-fed guest withhold and deprive

6. Virtue is corrupt, favor leads to disgrace
Mightier than death, the gift has become

7. So the glorious ones are disgraced, and the great
Need a street dog's leftovers, once refusing the greatest

8. Is it injustice or wisdom and knowledge?
I know not, for all words...

9. Never did little money in generous palms
Stay put; I saw them flourish and smile