1. We have a friend who cheats friends, and never
Have you seen him truly loving anyone
١. لنا صديقٌ يغُرُّ الأصدقاءَ وما
رأيتَهُ قَطُّ في وُدِّ امرئٍ صَدَقا
2. His friend is always fearful of him, wary
Like sailors fearing the sea will make them drown
٢. صديقُه أبداً منه على وَجَلٍ
كَراكِبِ البحرِ يخشى دهرَهُ الغَرَقا
3. Do not go near the door of a ruler, even if
His gifts fill the roads overflowing for all
٣. لا تقرَبَنْ بابَ سُلطانٍ وإن مَلأتْ
هِباتُهُ غَيرَ مَمنونٍ بها الطُّرُقا
4. For their doors are like the sea for those who ride
Fearful of heart for their lifetimes might sink
٤. فإنّ أبوابَهُم كالبَحرِ راكبُهُ
مُرَوَّعُ القَلبِ يَخشى دهرَه الغَرَقا