1. Do you know the abode of Umm Ma'bad?
Yes, longing cast you there after endurance.

2. I dwelled there quenching love's thirst, as if
Regret made me drink a draught that knew no sating.

3. Oh, what longing and what tears abundant
That soaked my robe to its hem unblessed!

4. And a reproacher the night brought, blaming me,
But when her blame ran long, I said "Have done!"

5. "Reproacher, blame that misses the true mark
Is doubled back on you, uncertain, confused.

6. Reproacher, you have rambled missing the point;
If you are led astray, then guide yourself aright.

7. Reproacher, ignorance demeans the youth
While death awaits men posted in ambush.

8. Reproacher, nothing brings a youth nearer right counsel
Or further from it, if he is not guided straight.

9. Whoever is fated for hell will find it,
While he who gains salvation will be joyous.

10. Reproacher, I've met what tries the mettle of youth
And matched in fetters his hobbled pace.

11. Reproacher, you know only by guesswork
To some hour of the day or dawn tomorrow.

12. Leave me be; I have no use for the past,
No desire for it, nothing left of my wont.

13. My death is timed for a destined hour,
Whether coffined or left exposed.

14. So let the heir enjoy what property remains;
Spare me your reproaches, for I would do no harm."

15. Reproacher, one who does not reform himself,
Empty of true life, gives no wise counsel.

16. For a man, the days of his life suffice
To warn him, preaching lessons as they pass.

17. I have worn out and caused men to wear out, and years
Long have elapsed since the day I was born.

18. I am no innovator; before me were men
Who suffered woes then came to joy again.

19. So guard your soul from error and disgrace;
When you go astray, those who follow you will stray.

20. If you have bounty to give another man,
Then match his requests and even exceed them!

21. If you bring no benefit with your hoarding
And your lack does not pain your close friends, then begone!

22. When a man expects no gentleness from you,
Do not expect it from him; avoid his presence!

23. When you mock men, do not cross the line,
And say what they say; do not pretend aloofness.

24. When you seek favor from men, show restraint;
Do not persist and cause yourself vexation.

25. Beware excessive jesting, for it deserves
To make light of the wise man, however steadfast.

26. You will attain all your due from the vile
Through your patience, gently, without harshness.

27. Give counsel about things no father counseled him on,
And refine the character of one unused to refinement,

28. The heir of glory he did not attain,
And the striver who won unborrowed glory.

29. One who hopes for great things he'll never reach—
Diversions will bar him; he will be confounded.

30. Do not fall short in striving for what you inherited
And the excellence your soul attained; increase it!

31. Count all else as words, and know that
When proven false one day, they will fail you tomorrow.

32. Do not ask about a man; ask about his companion.
Every companion is guided by who accompanies him.

33. If he is wicked, avoid him quickly;
If righteous, accompany him and be guided.

34. Wronging kin is more painful to a man
Than a sharpened blade that rends and slashes.

35. When you see evil rousing its own people,
And helpers of evil rising for evil, withdraw!

36. If you are among people, befriend the best of them;
Do not befriend the vilest or you will be vile.

37. When you speak, speak justly; do not blame
The blameworthy, but blame them; praise the praiseworthy.

38. Do not insist on help but from one who refused you,
And do not blame but extend your friend's complaint.

39. Perhaps you denied a beggar aid today,
And tomorrow he will treat you foully in return.

40. Men are humiliated when one is miserly
And stingy; one who is stingy is debased and spurned.

41. Time and fate have shown me that one who does not mend affairs, ruins them.
I have met the calamities that try men's souls, and he who endures them is made immortal.

42. When you dislike a person, do not show it,
And make a greater effort toward others.

43. One who lacks a helper when he is in the right
Will be overcome by one with a helper and abased.

44. Many hands raised against wrong drive it away
When men's hands gather on the scene.

45. A thing of ease is better ended
Than a difficult matter left pending and uncertain.

46. I will gain glory or my mourners will rise over me in the night,
My devoted ones lamenting and waking me.

47. They will moan over a corpse and break into cries
That trouble the eye of every weeper and joyous soul.

48. When you dislike a person, do not show it,
And make a greater effort toward others.