1. I asked about him, and was told he had died because of what ailed him
The heart of dew certainly died because of what ailed him

2. As if time was stingy in keeping him alive for the people
Or feared him, so did away with him

3. For whom shall I now preserve my tears after him?
And for what cause shall I weep for him?

4. For his address, his response, his propriety
For his safekeeping, his reward, his punishment

5. For bearing others' faults, for advising properly
For pardoning detractors,

6. For his fair raiment, for the flowers of his views
For his gravity, or manners, or his reciting the Quran

7. Or his excellence, or his liberality among his comrades
Or one who hoped after him to ward off harm

8. From himself by his firmness and punishment?
Alas! weeping avails naught when the lion of time

9. Rends with his claws and fangs.
And if death made him drink a bitter cup,

10. Then death should drink the like of his draught!