1. When many raised their voices and said,
“Why smoke when you lack sustenance?”
١. قد قلت إذ كثروا وقالوا
ما الدخن للمستقيت قوت
2. I retorted through gritted teeth,
“Cease! I accept what comes hence.”
٢. يشقق السفل بعد حنق
فقلت كفوا فقد رضيت
3. ’Twas not by choice I took to the pipe -
My soul it rends, my breath it grips,
٣. لم آكل الدخن باختياري
ينشقّ سفلي ولا أموت