(Sings) Seeking a livelihood by the work of my hands,

Daily do I traverse the streets of the city.

(Speaks) Well, here I am, a mender of broken jars,

An unfortunate victim of ever changing plans.

To repair old fractured jars

Is my sole occupation and support.

’Tis even so. I have no other employment.

(Takes his boxes from his shoulder, places them on the ground, sits beside them, and drawing out his fan, continues speaking)—

A disconsolate old man—I am a slave to inconveniences.

For several days past I have been unable to go abroad,