1. O murderous moment, have mercy on a man
Whose waking and sleeping bring his end.
١. يا لحظه الفتّاك رفقاً بامرئٍ
يقضي عليه تيقظ ومنام
2. When he's alert, go gently on him,
And when he sleeps, put away your swords.
٢. فإذا تنبه رعته وإذا غفا
سلت عليه سيوفك الأحكام