1. I lived in luxury with the indulgent for a time,
And lived as a wealthy, prosperous brother.

2. I spent the days of passion in union,
And the nights of youth getting drunk.

3. Unrestrained in intimacy, indiscreet in flirtation,
I loved the coquettish gazelle.

4. I never disobeyed a lissome one in her ruling,
Stubborn or unyielding.

5. By my Lord, a yellow girl, plump and soft,
I humbled myself before her, red and tender.

6. And I reveled in amusement, no regrets,
For a losing deal or loss.

7. But I blamed every spendthrift with pyre,
Fueling his fires with ambergris.

8. And I sat with every aloof and veiled one
From whom pitch-black destiny parts.

9. Of noble pillars and long tresses,
Wearing crown and veil.

10. I visited governors and roamed the wilderness,
Sometimes settled, sometimes moving on.

11. I led the steeds, biting at the bit,
And the mare, docile in the open country.

12. I was not neglectful of pleasures,
Nor remiss in seeking lofty goals.

13. But after the long life and the lowering of status
I have come to what you see.

14. I was left alone in the barrens,
When death severed those ties.

15. As though I saw the days of youth
And the freshness of a life joyous and kind.

16. The passing of nights of intimacy
Were but like the twinkling of lightning.

17. So stand, reproachful, if you pass
My grave, and weep feelingly.

18. Be not fooled by a flirt
Whose affection is made up.

19. Do not incline toward wealth
That will lay you in the grave afterwards.