1. In a land that lies in ambush for the steps of the wayfarer,
With the deceit of misguidance and outstretched evil,

2. In it are steep descents and resting places,
With clefts in the rock face and fearsome slopes,

3. Upon it are folds of scorching heat that smothers,
A network of hills like the teeth of a comb,

4. When the howling winds blow,
The hills are covered with drifting sand,

5. Before the bent night of the encampment
Can be folded by the tents pitching down,

6. Twisted like the twists of a crooked staff,
And the groping of its hands like one searching in the dark,

7. They choose the summits of the rising sand dunes,
Pouring down into the hollow of a paved land,

8. Upon which blow the hot desert winds,
A range like uncooked meat never warmed by fire,

9. I came upon it before the ungainly hyena and prowling wolf
And before the howling of the wild dogs roaming in packs,

10. And before the exuberance of the cheerful dawn
And the arrival of the evening wolves that howl plaintively,

11. With a brave warrior, ready for the fight,
Who travels the miles with outstretched neck,

12. In the paddle of a constant riding beast for the rider,
The camels extending their necks trot evenly,

13. With a leg that stretches out and a quick pace
Their hasty return is never cut short,

14. So which of you makes rash judgements
When I possess a glory that cannot diminish,

15. That turns away from the enmity of foes and fault finders,
With every angry one prone to complaining,

16. A grim-faced tree, stubborn and frowning,
Baring its fangs in agony,

17. When I have said the words of one who never lacked integrity
Turn away from people and do not get upset,

18. For people will transgress against the powerful,
And you will not attain wisdom if you do not restrain

19. Your mind, and know that one who does not squander
Guarding your honour, aloof from shame,

20. And that the misfortunes of men, the debased,
Come from one who gloats and is fortunate,

21. By the grace of the Almighty God,
From the attainment of God, and one who does not mix

22. Foolishness with wisdom, diminished or fading away,
Just as the noble steed reveals its true nature

23. Tossing aside the base and despicable.