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I say to the one who denies my poverty, being content

أقول لمنكر فقري قنوعا

1. I say to the one who denies my poverty, being content
With earnings that bring harm and abstention

١. أقول لمنكر فقري قنوعا
بكسب فيه ضرّ وامتناع

2. People and the world were praised as a bride
And whatever good belongings it contains

٢. مدحت الناس والدنيا عروسٌ
وما تحويه من خير متاع

3. But when the world became an old woman
With wrinkles and no veil

٣. فلمّا صارت الدنيا عجوزا
لها شمطٌ وليس لها قناع

4. The wicked plunder it, and every wolf
And the hours have come between it and its usefulness

٤. تناهبها اللئام وكلّ ذئب
وحالت دون جدواها الساع

5. I left poetry for those who are pleased with it
With what satisfies the hungry people

٥. تركت الشعر للراضين منها
بما يرضى به القوم الجياع

6. And I protected my soul from praise and blame
And returning to the lowly rabble

٦. وصنت النفس عن مدح وذمّ
وترداد إلى السفل الرعاع

7. And I said to it, shorten, for death is coming
And every deposit will be taken back

٧. وقلت لها اقصري فالموت آتٍ
وكلّ وديعة فلها ارتجاع

8. The lion spares prey of one who took refuge
And overcomes after overcoming the brave

٨. يعفّ الليث عن صيد ابن آوى
ويغلب بعد ما غلب الشجاع

9. Shall I seek wealth without a share
Can one become wealthy without swift gain?

٩. أأطلبُ الغنى عن غير حظّ
وهل أغنى بلا ربح سراع