1. Time has treated me unfairly, so unfairly,
With unending troubles and tribulations.

2. Its strange turns are a wonder,
Just random events for no reason.

3. O the joy of living alone, self-reliant,
Concerned only with oneself and one's gains.

4. How many a sly fox overlooking his quest
Is burdened at the foe's door with his sin.

5. And many a camel, whose skin is all scar,
Whose kneeling has worn his knees threadbare.

6. And a friend who pleased me for ages,
With joys dispelled by time's blows.

7. Until when time let me down,
And made me drink deep of its cups,

8. I complained of what pained me, spending the night complaining
Of a sullen fate that brought us distress.

9. I suffered, still complaining of suffering,
My ardour kindled, my ardour aflame.

10. Revealing passions, though free of crime,
Rather betrayed by manners urbane,

11. I said to time words that gave pause to thought:
"Strange pleasures you reap from your days."

12. He who finds not, in pleasing me, pleasure
May his pleasure in my pain give me joy.