1. I saw excellence fail to rise up and reap
Due to its woes, nor come near and glean.
١. رَأَيتُ الفَضلَ لا يَعلو فَيَجني
لِشَقوَتِهِ وَلا يَدنو فَيَلقُط
2. Yet you, when exalted, are humble
Keeping near between your rise and fall.
٢. وَأَنتَ إِذا عَلَوتَ فَخُنفَساءٌ
قَريبٌ بَينَ ما تَعلو وَتَسقُط