1. If you wish to live
Honored in this world,

2. Beware the greed of desires,
Lest you pursue them or possess them.

3. Do not heed their tumult and noise,
For they clang and buzz.

4. How many secure men
Became tempted by them and lost their refuge!

5. The gathering of riches
Did not avail him when days assaulted.

6. He had bounty, but fled,
So he returned to it unwilling.

7. How much do we acquire,
When we've seen an owner leave his possessions?

8. He was powerful, then
After his power, helpless.

9. Where are those who
Inhabited the lofty, fortified abode?

10. They dragged armies behind them
And dragged along the reluctant.

11. If you visit them, you visit ruins
Emerging at daybreak.

12. They spoke what exhausted men,
And their words became mumbling.