1. The rounds of fate wear down barricades,
to fend off schemes and charades.

2. How can I feign knowledge and tact,
when the outcome is purely abstract?

3. Yes, my patron trained me with care,
and wisely made me his heir.

4. The king posted guards over me,
but mishaps cannot deterred be.

5. Like ships afloat we remain,
till at death the anchors are lain.

6. After us came throngs of new shoots,
some odious, some taking firm roots.

7. Fleeing the throes of demise,
with feet trampling ruins and cries.

8. Many a head kissed a foot,
many a foot chased a head's route.

9. He who lagged in bestowals was promoted,
and he who led was demoted.

10. Our foresight is not without flaw,
like the verse of Abu Firas the law.

11. When you accuse in scorching days,
count the saved, don't the strayed.

12. I ward off beasts in their charges,
knowing my end is in their largesse.

13. Adam's son self-sufficed can be,
with no steed or cavalry.

14. In Yathrib lies a dumb well,
its buried caller, the well could tell.