1. Live miserly as the people of your time,
And bear it patiently, for your age is decadent.

2. An evil people, so the cub amongst them preys on the old lion at night,
Then the lion eats its cub in the morning light.

3. If you wish to favor one of the people with kindness,
Then favor yourself before all others.

4. After drinking, they brought Umm Layla close,
To shame the tongue with babbling speech.

5. They led you into harm that you might drown in it,
And showed you spite that you might learn its ways.

6. They found the apricots too heavy,
Wishing to wake those asleep with their kisses.

7. And they made me the target of passing nights,
Assailing me, but I do not lack for arrows.

8. Do you see a weeping elegist like 'Antara,
Crying for the encampments of 'Abla?

9. Or a swift runner eulogizing the men of Sulaym,
Or Suhaym reciting poetry with the camel drove?

10. Do not give him or any other bird your love,
For the brothers of hyenas do not avoid filth.