1. I stood still, not knowing where to go,
Or which of my affairs I should embark upon.

2. I'm amazed at the succession of misfortunes that have befallen me,
My whole life wasted in wonder.

3. When I sought sustenance, its rope slipped away,
And its sweet water would not quench my thirst.

4. I asked for the hand of one of Misery's daughters in marriage
To lift me out of poverty since I came seeking a bride.

5. He married me to her, then her dowry arrived,
With only a mattress and pillows inside.

6. I fathered the pure letters, yet none but I
Can claim to be their parent when genealogy is traced.

7. If I were to get lost in the desert at night,
With darkness spreading its wings over me, no stars would appear.

8. If I feared evil so took refuge in darkness,
The sun's light would shine on me from where it sets.

9. If a man were generous to me with a single coin,
I'd head home with a scorpion clutched in my palm.

10. If it rained gold on people, naught but pebbles
Would pelt my head.

11. If a string of pearls touched my hand,
I'd throw it away, pierced and broken.

12. If a star commits a sin in the blink of an eye,
That sin would be tied round my head.

13. If I see something good in a dream, it will be false;
If I see evil, it will draw near.

14. Never have I set out to succeed in a matter
Except I was met by crows and rabbits.

15. Before me, Failure's fully equipped army;
Behind me, more troops when I mount my steed.