1. I refrained from berating the foolish detractor,
Guarding my honour lest I become foolish myself.

2. And I know that when a free man like me is angered
And berates a wretched one among the afflicted, he restrains it.

3. When an ugly slanderer of corrupt character appears,
Her refuge, if you do not rebuke her, is her own mouth.

4. And be not like one who said, in selling his wares,
"For me I find the price of goods and sell them as they are."

5. If you ascribe disgrace to one fearful for his honour
From what is said to deny it, then raise it from him through discreet absence,

6. And seek from his faithful one concealment of that blame,
For one whose honour is disgraced has something within himself concealed.

7. So oh my loneliness among people, my chosen one,
For a group you have chosen has made me feel loneliness.

8. I see people, products of the earth, sweet and sour,
Bitter and mellow - of them that plant bears fruit.

9. This is my Layla, if with her you seek exaltation,
Then be lowly with her and you will be exalted through her.

10. Oh, would that I had seized in life a chance,
That I might be healed among the folk of passion through it.