I’ll soothe the wounds inflicted by their rancour’s bow.’

With that, God made my heart as tranquil as of yore;

Swept clean away the cobwebs of your paltry score.”

“Again I proffered counsel to you, sage and safe;

In parables soft couched, with words that might not chafe.310

Once more that milk flowed, mixed with honey, from my lips;

The dulcet tones were tempting, not like stinging whips.

Alas! Within your ears they all to venom turned;

Because, like poisonous plants, your nature goodness spurned.

Why do I weep? You’ve burnt the substance of all grief;