1. Strange am I among kith and kin,
I see lush pastures fenced off.

2. More sincere than those I befriend,
Yet my destiny's in the clutch of a sword.

3. I've tested fate and tested men,
Till I nauseate even my own shadow.

4. I've grappled with the days' every torment,
Its stark calamities astonish even me.

5. When tested, superior is going barefoot to wearing their shoes.
Never did I know a lion in its lair

6. Could fear and dread the sting of the feeblest ant.
Poverty would not have come near me had I been content

7. To do as the lowly do, wallowing in greed.
If my distinction barred what I sought,

8. Then ignorance demolished what distinction built.
You assault us, Time, like a warrior,

9. As though the hero's death fulfilled you.
I speak though none like me is brought low,

10. Like one writing on water what occurs to him.
How many a dear one whose promise I gained

11. Died of affection if he escaped vilification.
If by chance his phantom glided before my eyes,

12. I refused the night rapture during separation.
You've despised me, my era, as you please,

13. Not seeing the like of me with my vision;
Unknowing that justice descends on all,

14. My confidant banishes the gloom of all through all.
Noblest of chosen guides, fount of glory,

15. Sun of guidance leading to the most upright paths.
You upheld the secure bond So perfidy retreated,

16. Terrors crouched in the dust at dawn.
Highest ranking above all ranks,

17. Greatest blessing upon all who rely.
You've a nature that breathes gentleness

18. While stinginess and hoarding deal in murder.
You've ennobled the likes of me at your door.

19. How many far from kith are consoled!
My visits among the Europeans brought me pride,

20. I boasted of it over all who went before me.
You governed praise until your banner

21. Was praised in fact by consensus.
Endure for the world, supporting its people.

22. Disjoin foes, bring kindred together.
You are the hope for every dilemma,

23. Giving without peer, enfolding without stint.