1. When afflicted, be patient,
Time is like a passage,

2. No state endures,
The fat of good fortune becomes lean.

3. The nights bear no sin,
And deserve no reproach.

4. Time betrays and kills,
While man schemes and deceives.

5. The nights can undo
The schemes of the deceiver.

6. Bearing dishonor is not
The way of the noble.

7. Uphold if you bear,
Complete if you act,

8. Fulfill if you promise,
Conclude if you tie the knot.

9. Be absent if absent,
The creed of the wise.

10. Turn a blind eye,
To plotting and ignorance.

11. Subtle cunning,
Like hidden poison.

12. In war no, but more binding -
A life’s debt to be paid.

13. Too much sweetness
Breeds boredom.

14. Excess ornamentation
Invites laxity.