1. I see time as an enemy that harms the resolute
And sets my friend against me as a foe

2. It was barren but when its
Fine outcomes appeared to me, it became wrathful

3. It had hoped, being feeble-minded,
That I would overlook its faults with jest and banter

4. But when it saw I was serious
It became hostile and mischievous

5. That was not its first misdeed against me
Nor the first burden I’ve borne wanly

6. Does it detain me because I’m candid
And surround my efforts when it sees me diligent?

7. Does it think me submissive to its might
And spend my days fearing its calamities?

8. I have a pen that, if not recording its tyrannies
Records them elsewhere, wherever I may roam

9. Walls, plants and pebbles cannot stop me
Marching against them legions and brigades

10. Oh how I wish I knew how many woes
My shoulders bear as burdens and landmarks

11. I harness and guide my steed to avoid
The quicksands of time that provoke quicksands

12. When I seek something but it blocks my path
Becoming an observer opposing me

13. It brings me no joy and sees no
Relief for me though I accomplish my goals

14. Today it set a watchful eye over me
And sat by me all night, frowning

15. But I am only here for a day or night
For when they pass, I seek the longest goals

16. Is every effort rewarded by it with denial?
So I return unsuccessful and disappointed

17. I gave my people sincere advice and hid nothing
Yet before me, their faults immediately showed

18. I did not think they were ignorant of it
Or that experience made them forget

19. They are a people blindly united
A people who cannot see one addressing them

20. When a free soul finds no loyal companions
It is best for him not to befriend a companion

21. And he who finds no brother among his own people
It is better for him not to brother foreigners

22. One who never kept a pact when present
Should not be sought by those who were absent

23. One who demands proof of the daylight
Deserves the most to have his plea denied

24. And he who easily believes a liar to be truthful
Is accustomed to foolishly believing a liar

25. He who falsifies authentic currency
Will come across falsity and be afflicted

26. I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind from the evil of an envier
Who sees faults in all that merits praise

27. Watching every fault but his own
Even when he has fallen into major sins

28. The words of people have reached me, some envious
And others finding faults in me

29. They do not know that disparaging words
Cannot harm me though they’d hurt others

30. If my time is bent on insulting me
That is the way, it does not mar one's merits

31. And if my efforts in resolves are lost
Then for pride's sake, I have become profitable