1. It grieves the noble that I am dormant,
Though you may see the dying down of a meteor in me,

2. Where the sparkle of luck is seen to be fleeting,
There too the sparkle of fortune is seen to fade.

3. In an age whose lions make prey of me,
In vain snarled at by packs of curs.

4. Are the heights of my distinction hid from the days?
When my renown vies with the fame of each starry one.

5. The guise of torpor rides me, and yet
The traits of eminence and glory bow to my stirrups.

6. With my determination I shall attain the utmost summit,
Though the lowest rung tests my patience.

7. Let the chatterboxes learn that I
Can curb them at the assembly with drink.

8. And let the far-flung lands witness that I
Conquer them with words that end all dispute.

9. My only companion is a bare white blade,
My only confidant is a book.

10. Not adorned are my fingers with trinkets,
Not perfumed are my robes with ambergris,

11. But with a scent that shames the blooming garden,
And with a tread that splits skulls and napes.

12. Whoever has not dyed his spear in the foe
Is no better in life than a woman in make-up.

13. Whoever has not drawn the sword from the sheath of purpose
Adorns himself with shame in life and is shamed.

14. When the steel leaves rattle, down tumble
The fruits of resolve, or fruits of desire.

15. Whoever takes other than the sword for his talons
Is chasing a mirage.

16. Whoever is beguiled by the smiles of people
Has lost his reason, and that is his greatest loss.