Good works, and firm strivings to shun the soul’s drought.
Reflections, though true, we’ll now bring to an end.
To merchant and parrot’s tale ear we will lend.
Our merchant his trading had quickly despatched,
Then homeward he turned; with joy housedoor unlatched.
To ev’ry male slave a rare present he brought;
For each of his handmaids some gift he had bought.105
The parrot him questioned: “What news bringest thou me?
And whom hast thou seen? What’s been said? Tell. Let’s see.”
The merchant him answered: “I’m sorry for that.