1. I have shunned ignorance wherever it is sold
And I have held my head high, though it wears a mask

2. The Commander of the Faithful has forbidden me from folly
And obeying the Commander of the Faithful is imperative

3. For fear of the Imam's rebuke, I have forsaken diversion
In which there is frivolity and entertainment

4. Like one who slakes his thirst with the water of youth
From the udder of a fat cow when famished

5. I have curbed my soul without persistent effort
For today it wages war and yesterday it was broken to pieces