1. I have seen the centuries pass away,
Studied, then called history yesterday.
١. قَد رَأَيتُ القُرونَ كَيفَ تَفانَت
دُرِسَت ثُمَ قيلَ كانَ وَكانَت
2. This world is but a serpent foul with venom,
Though it seem fair decked by art's ingenuity.
٢. هِيَ دُنيا كَحَيَةٍ تَنَفُثُ السُم
مَ وَإِن لانَتِ المَجَسَّةُ لانَت
3. How many things I mastered with firmness,
Then lightly shrugged them off and cast them from me.
٣. كَم أُمورٍ لَقَد تَشَدَّدتُ فيها
ثُمَّ هَوَّنتُها عَلَيَّ فَهانَت