1. For long have I pondered how fate changes and alters,
Bringing down those once high on cushions and pillows.

2. It felled the commanders, lords of the Persian realm,
And with its hands made their bright swords dim.

3. It swept against Al-Hayqar amidst his armies,
And made ruins of the abodes of many a demon.

4. The Turks it brought, from the lands of their clans,
Marching in force, linked together like camels in a caravan.

5. On the day of Al-Haws, it brought forth the lord of donkeys
With the rage of a Jinn from Abyssinia, untamable.

6. The kingdom of Solomon son of David it made shake
And tore it down, reducing it to rubble.

7. Of the sons of Al-Nasour none remain
No newborn, nor memory of forebear.

8. The kings of Rome once owed tribute
Of wealth from taxes and overage.

9. So envy no man what he gains from fate -
Possessions or life of ease.