He is sick, and by his words our sickness is increased:

The more his cup goes round, the more sick are they that quaff it.

There are no lightning-rains in his April, 745

His garden is a mirage of colour and perfume.

His beauty hath no dealings with Truth,

There are none but flawed pearls in his sea.

Slumber he deemed sweeter than waking:

Our fire was quenched by his breath. 750

By the chant of his nightingale the heart was poisoned:

Under his heap of roses lurked a snake.