by Franois Villon

Translated by Galway Kinnell

I die of thirst beside the fountain

I'm hot as fire， I'm shaking tooth on tooth

In my own country I'm in a distant land

Beside the blaze I'm shivering in flames

Naked as a worm， dressed like a president

I laugh in tears and hope in despair

I cheer up in sad hopelessness

I'm joyful and no pleasure's anywhere

I'm powerful and lack all force and strength

Warmly welcomed， always turned away.

I'm sure of nothing but what is uncertain

Find nothing obscure but the obvious

Doubt nothing but the certainties

Knowledge to me is mere accident

I keep winning and remain the loser

At dawn I say "I bid you good night"

Lying down I'm afraid of falling

I'm so rich I haven't a penny

I await an inheritance and am no one's heir

Warmly welcomed， always turned away.

I never work and yet I labor

To acquire goods I don't even want

Kind words irritate me most

He who speaks true deceives me worst

A friend is someone who makes me think

A white swan is a black crow

The people who harm me think they help

Lies and truth today I see they're one

I remember everything， my mind's a blank

Warmly welcomed， always turned away.

Merciful Prince may it please you to know

I understand much and have no wit or learning

I'm biased against all laws impartially

What's next to do？ Redeem my pawned goods again！

Warmly welcomed， always turned away.