1. If I had but one coin that chirps without a mouth
I would not have become like a shepherd without sheep

2. Nor an empty cup devoid of sparkling wine
Like a rose in color and ruby in value

3. With which the moon seeks to heal his lips' wounds
Like blossoms hidden behind his veil of stars

4. Or a lovely gazelle who whenever she stirs
Sways her cloak over a branch as a flag

5. Had the coin not been so fickle I'd have never
Fallen out with it nor would it have split my perfect reputation

6. So say to him who said I grew arrogant with age
Leave off the howling worries and look to the howling ambitions

7. For resolve is a leg but without legs
It cannot walk unless with vigor and he who walks without legs

8. By Allah if poverty brought me to seek drink
My principles would no longer be those I've stood by

9. The best of nobles is Ibn Bustam whose mouth
Is smooth with him but biting without fault

10. Righteous, when the miser hides his comfort
His generosity springs forth from the clouds of bounty

11. He is the spring, spring of those who seek refuge in him
And the land more generous than a sandal without sole

12. The protector neighbor from tyranny disgraced by it
And the kindling fire for those who suffer injustice

13. He who used to give us allowance in the days
Of prosperity unsullied payment

14. But now our clouds have become
Like tinder without rain except paltry bits

15. And palms emptied of land without trees
Of ink pots without ink or pen

16. May our lord's coins forever trill, trill
The cooing of doves and banish sorrow with song

17. And may his envier remain a bow without string
Alive but without wealth or propriety