Classic Poem

If the clouds thought, “We've rained other days!” and stopped raining,
if the fields thought, “We've grown food before!” and stopped growing,
there would be no life at all then for any being that draws a breath!
If people like me make requests, if we say, “Give me something again!”
it is cruel for a person like you to refuse them with the answer that
“You have gotten gifts from us before!” King whose chariot is handsome!
Those who are approached with the confidence that they will give—and who
do not—disappoint far more than those who do not have anything to give.
You are not that kind of man! You are generous! You do your duty
to bards! With the words “These are yours!” you grant them fortresses
difficult to conquer, even while they are still
in the hands of your enemies! My lord, be faithful to your duty of sheltering bards!