1. I sought virtues, but found only words,
As though we two will forever stay,

2. All that the living say will be forgot,
And the Syrian confused with the Yemenite.

3. Yet I pretended to be virtuous, and was clad with disgrace,
Who will protect you from your wickedness?

4. The accidents of time are troubles,
That turn truths into wishes.

5. My pledge is that all things will pass away,
Except He who is not bound by pledge.

6. I wondered whether the fish or its brother
Were informed of their immortal genesis.

7. I know not if they know, like I know,
Of this thing, or know not.

8. Do the two sleepers have a moment of tranquility
With their goblets entertaining each other?

9. If they understand the speech of fate like me,
Then they are not fortunate with its favors.

10. I roam away from them, a guide to three,
Driving them, or a guide to eight.

11. Who am I to be a maverick of a flock,
Or a starling frequenting a jujube or pomegranate tree?

12. Did you not see me when people wearied my soul,
And fate revealed me openly, though I was hidden?