1 They bade me cast the thing away, br 2 They pointed to my hands all bleeding, br 3 They listened not to all my pleading; br 4 The thing I meant I could not say; br 5 I knew that I should rue the day br 6 If once I cast that thing away. br br 7 I grasped it firm, and bore the pain; br 8 The thorny husks I stripped and scattered; br 9 If I could reach its heart, what mattered br 10 If other men saw not my gain, br 11 Or even if I should be slain? br 12 I knew the risks; I chose the pain.