She has sent out her maidens, she calls
From the highest places of the city:

Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
So is the lazy one to those who send him to work.

A rebellious man seeks only evil;
Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

To let you know the certainty of the words of truth,
That you may give a correct answer to him who sent you?

Like the cold of snow [brought from the mountains] in the time of harvest,
So is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
For he refreshes the life of his masters.