1. When the youth's soul departs and his body
Is covered with dust and rags from the earth,

2. He sees that the world was mere deception, and
The youth’s reward was in patience and trust.

3. Through all the vicissitudes of fate I have lived an era,
And it has burdened me with every kind of burden.

4. And I have lived in comfort and bliss,
As well as bounty before it was changed.

5. When a man declines, be warned by his seekers,
Use your reason and seek another rising star.

6. For you know not, if hoping for success,
Whether it is in delay or haste.

7. Do not walk into dire straits in war, nor obey
The weak-hearted in the critical hour.

8. Do not insult your Master by following His hurts,
For if you do, you become foolish and ignorant.

9. Do not forsake your Master in His woeful affliction,
Lest His enemies devour your Master while you are eaten.

10. A group who challenged drowsiness as if
They had been given a potion in every joint.

11. I traveled with them until the night passed in full,
And the valleys of dawn shone for the watcher.

12. And they said, as their hopes declined from fatigue:
“Dismount, it is a blessing and better for us.”

13. So I obeyed them until they dismounted reluctantly,
Playfully frolicsome, and not restrained.

14. And they said, leaning on the saddlebags:
“To the blessed company - close elbows and clasped arms.”

15. Then they clasped the surplus of the saddle ties
That seemed, when not unfastened, to be buttons.

16. Dozing, hooding their eyes, then suddenly vigilant,
Hastening to the places of prayer rugs and garments.