1. Whatever state I'm in, where is my will
And my quest for the just companion

2. Indeed, I have seen wonders from time
And worn the garb of separation and distance

3. I have been adorned with necklaces of sorrow
Robes of inactive, fruitless toil were draped over me

4. Uprightness, poverty, and weary estrangement
And the ascent of years in an unripe time

5. And the company of a people who, in their stubbornness
Argued with every preacher and debater

6. And sorrows in my compromising and cowardice
At the hands of the reckless, obstinate assailant

7. And I'm told to uncover your enemy and brandish
The sword of enmity like the valiant warrior

8. No! But I protect my kinship and companionship
Fearing attack and fearing the rebuke of the critic

9. And I speak his words, aware of my needs
Accustoming my opponents to noble resolve

10. Neither the peace of my enemy nor my path
Have harmed me - loving what is right and hating falsehood

11. The wise man accepts coercion fearfully
Seeking salvation in the oceans of an ignorant ruler's wisdom

12. Who will support me as ignorance persecutes the sermon
And time's creed is the reasoning of the rational