Ballade

I know flies in milk I know the man by his clothes I know fair weather from foul I know the apple by the tree I know the tree when I see the sap I know when all is one I know who labors and who loafs I know everything but myself. I know the coat by the collar I know the monk by the cowl I know the master by the servant I know the nun by the veil I know when a hustler rattles on I know fools raised on whipped cream I know the wine by the barrel I know everything but myself. I know the horse and the mule I know their loads and their limits I know Beatrice and Belle I know the beads that count and add I know nightmare and sleep I know the Bohemians' error I know the power of Rome I know everything but myself. Prince I know all things I know the rosy-cheeked and the pale I know death who devours all I know everything but myself. Trans. by Galway Kinnell