They intended to do me harm; 3but I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am much occupied in a very important work, I cannot come down to meet you, for the work would stop if I left it." 4They invited me again four times, but I gave them the same answer every time.
3Ngathuma izithunywa kubo, ngathi: "Ngisebenza umsebenzi omkhulu, anginakwehla; umsebenzi ubuyakumelani, ngiwuyeke, ngehlele kini, na?" 4Bathumela kane kimi ngaleyo ndlela; ngabaphendula ngokunjalo.