1. Ask me of fate and its ways,
And what fate has veiled of its schemes,

2. I accompanied it sixty years,
In various states throughout its era,

3. Twenty of which I wasted heedlessly,
Deceived by what it hid of its tricks,

4. Then I awoke to it an awakening,
From which I did not escape its sudden betrayal,

5. Until when I was fully excused, and fate
Had made me submit to its coercion,

6. Sorrow made me learn its ways,
So I became wise in its lap,

7. I do not complain of fate, knowing what
Is hidden from the ignorant of its ordainment,

8. And it has passed in the like of what has passed
For the resolute who did not err in his era,

9. Fate is commanded, it has a commander,
Fate will end up to His command,

10. How much have we seen of a resolute youth
Who walks with his feet toward his grave,

11. And an unaware wise man of merit,
Chooses what calls for his harm,

12. And how many a weak ignorant incapable man
Is eased into his poverty,

13. And patience is of two kinds: patience for
Hated adversity that deposes might in its might,

14. And the patience of surrender of a resolute man
Who earns tranquility through his patience.