1. Mornings and evenings come upon mankind,
And we are all subject to the turns of fate.

2. How many a departed loved one or hardships
Have people kept secret or openly lamented?

3. Kings pass away and Egypt remains the same,
Loyal to its ways, constant as the constellation Ursa Major.

4. You have failed us, oh base world, so give us,
Worthless sons of a worthless mother, consolation.

5. You have spoken to us in every form of wisdom,
Yet to others you seem mute.

6. The tomb of Sakhr ibn ‘Amr remains a rock
While his beloved rests softly in her grave.

7. Your sea rages and the winds prevail
Against those who sail it. Can ships find safe harbor?

8. If you show mercy one day, you are cruel the next,
And if you glance with one eye, it is askance.

9. Men roam the earth bowing their heads.
When humbled, even wild beasts can be tamed.

10. Let not their stately mountains deceive you.
In the days of kings’ rule, power is soon laid low.

11. They enjoyed little of life’s pleasures and departed,
Despite themselves – and lo, joy turns to sorrow.