1. However much I have, my soul is little for you,
And if I find no alternative to sacrificing it, I will sacrifice it,

2. I expend it for your sake, without hesitation,
And I strive my utmost to please you.

3. For I am among a people, if I give them sincere advice,
I become like one who strains water for scum.

4. I seek truth from an insincere youth,
And affection from one devoid of love.

5. If we close the door of greed to a youth,
He comes to us through other doors beyond count.

6. Would that my lord ransom me - his protection is my limbs' redemption
To see my suffering though he is far from me.

7. By God, I do not complain of my foe alone,
Though I complain of both my foe and my friend.

8. One seeks my money, another seeks my blood,
So I recklessly cast myself into perils.

9. I stand my soul among deaths that have appeared,
Its first before me and its last after me.

10. I pass the night evading my company, fearing their deception,
And I meet the enemies' war with resolve.

11. How can I be patient, yet fear your blame,
So I rush like the reckless upon my aim?

12. Would that I knew what my enviers say -
"Have they attained glory or kept their pledge?"

13. I think my foe has sung dirges for me, so he sang dirges,
And the harsh one showed tenderness from the solid rock.

14. I have no fear of death, and death is certain.
My fear is that I live and they ridicule me after.

15. For death is better for the youth than his life,
And living that attains no worthy goal.

16. Congratulations to them who sleep in bliss with you!
While I stay awake with the foes, alone.

17. He who I do not like to meet converses with me,
Praising me extensively, and I praise him more liberally.

18. He swears truthfully, though I know he is lying,
So shame on me if I reciprocate, which will not benefit him.

19. May Saladin ransom me - my soul is his redemption -
And compensate my remoteness with nearness to him.

20. No one gained good by leaving his side,
Or feared harm while settled with him in prosperity.