1. If you accompany the sultan, be vigilant,
Mastering the etiquette of morn and eve,

2. And emulate whatever he prefers.
Be yielding if he's gentle, or harsh if he's severe,

3. Don't be forthright if he's glum,
Or lonely if he's companionable,

4. Don't frequent his court uninvited,
Or gloat if he happens to sneeze,

5. Clarify matters for him if obscured,
Without reversing his opinion outright,

6. Don't divulge secrets held in his trust,
Or revel in his livelihood,

7. Or discuss affairs of his women―
You cannot know what in his soul lies hidden―

8. For he is like a lion hiding his claws
Until, when his sanctuary is violated, he pounces.