Words as plain as hen-birds' wings 

语言平实如雌鸟的翅膀

Do not lie, 

不会撒谎，

Do not over-broider things - 

没有太多的粉饰——

Are too shy. 

甚至过于羞涩。

Thoughts that shuffle round like pence 

思想流转如便士，

Through each reign, 

穿过历代君王，

Wear down to their simplest sense 

磨损到至简的样子

Yet remain. 

却依然健在。

Weeds are not supposed to grow 

杂草本不该生长，

But by degrees 

但还是会有一点，

Some achieve a flower, although 

有的竟开出了一朵花，虽然

No one sees.

无人看见。