1. Keep your harsh aloofness from me even if doing so hurts me,
And raise the discussion of separation above what's between us.

2. For the venom of your estrangement in its aggressions and harm
While the breeze of your connection in its gentleness is wished for.

3. Fickleness is not a sign of pleasure,
But when a lover becomes fickle, so does the loved one.

4. You show excellence in estrangement if you wish to show excellence.
Why is it, when I implore your opinion, you attribute to me

5. A new fault, now from here, now from over there?
I praise you but gain no favor,

6. Strange - I make excuses to you yet we have not sinned.
Nothing has led to this discourse but my expatriation,

7. And expatriation has brought the most debasing disgrace.
The most auspicious lands, though spacious,

8. Where livelihood was secure in them were not tranquil.
Livelihood has many forms, and that which you obtain

9. Devoid of troubles, is the sweetest honeycombed.
Fate does not reveal the mysteries of its affairs

10. Except to the poor man after wealth.
Keep company with men, for the endeavor of a man

11. Who kept company with men was not disappointed.
Do not be fooled by those whose hearts forbid

12. Though they make peace, and tongues that give.
The free man is lowest when he moves away,

13. While the scoundrel is farthest when he comes near.
And if you do not attain hopes by struggling,

14. Then slacken the reins and go, and you will attain them speedily.
The authority of events has chained, so discharge at it

15. With the aid of authority, until it yields.
A king whom the orbit of the heavens adorned,

16. If it were by his majesty in place of the stars embellished.
He has grown accustomed to elevation, nearly refusing any robe

17. Except praise, any garment except splendor.
After finding refuge in his shade I asked about him,

18. So he said to me the clear statement: