1. One fateful day I saw advice
That life is naught but vain device
١. ويَوْمَ شِبامٍ قَدْ رأَيْتُ مَواعِظاً
تُخَبِّرُنا أنَّ الْحَياةَ غُرورُ
2. I saw great kings whom time did humble
As fortunes wheel did constant rumble
٢. رَأَيْتُ مُلُوكاً طَأْطَأَ الدَّهْرُ مِنْهُمُ
ودَارَ بِهِمْ والدَّائِراتُ تَدُورُ
3. And from lofty towers were tumbled
As dais and throne in dust did crumble
٣. وَأَنْزَلَهُمْ مِنْ مَعْقِلٍ شامِخِ الذُّرَى
وعُطِّلَ مِنْهُمْ مِنْبَرٌ وسَرِيرُ
4. Whoever trusts this world will fumble
Like grasping at elusive bubble
٤. ومَنْ يأْمَنِ الدُّنْيا يَكُنْ مِثْلَ قابِضٍ
دُخاناً وإمْساكُ الدُّخانِ عَسيرُ