1. The days have paralyzed my right hand,
For we have judged and dragged in the judgments.
١. شلت يمين حوادث الأيامِ
فلقد حكمن وجرن في الأحكام
2. We have blocked the way of dignity among people,
And we have controlled annulment and obligation.
٢. سدت طريق العرف ما بين الورى
وتحكمت في النقض والإِبرام
3. I excuse the aloofness of my loved ones,
My opponent is time, and it has prolonged my feud.
٣. إني لأعذر في جفاء أحبتي
خصمي الزمان وقد أطاَلَ خصامي
4. The days still hurt their people,
And afflict the wise with tribulations.
٤. مازالت الأيام توجع أهلها
وتخص بالبلوى ذوى الأفهام
5. But I did not expect that it would unsheathe,
And cut through my skin with its swords.
٥. وظننت لكن ما ظننت بأنه
يفرى ويقطع جلدتي بحسامي