1. Their day is thirsty, blazing, and their night
Though it be full moon is Ibn Jamir's gloom.

2. If you urge on the miser, you but make him
More miserly; seek rain from a barren sky!

3. When good you seek from the ignoble man
Vainly you seek kind acts from one unkind.

4. If you guard not your honor from reproach
Reproach will run its course with all mankind.