1. The beginnings of bliss are like the highest pleasure,
Like speaking - its beginning is clearer than its end.

2. Thus gray hair, when it descends on a stubborn man,
Terminates the prime of youth and enfeebles the body's health.

3. When death appeared, our opportunities shook;
To me its name was "Source of Afflictions".

4. It proceeded to lead the reins of life recklessly,
Driving the steeds without saddle or bridle.

5. What are our joys while death is our end?
Does a sumptuous shroud delight one buried within?

6. It's as if we're safe from our calamities,
Yet the trap - as is its way - is unclear to the eye.

7. We're satiated, but the basin of death is our watering hole;
Woe to a mind that thinks the hidden is like the manifest!

8. Thus our most ignorant reap the fruits of sin,
While our wisest reap righteous fruits.

9. The virtues of our youth refuse their beauty,
Like the letter 'd' meeting not the 'n' in a homeland.

10. By God! We have dared all Vice,
Not condoned even by fire and idol worshipers!

11. We see blemishes in their midst as beautiful;
Reason, more knowing, sees them as clearly ugly.

12. The most sinful and most unjust of us is the most ignorant in matters of law and tradition.
O you who gloats in garbs of self-admiration - repent before the garment of life is rent by weakness!

13. Unburden yourself of the load of sins which, if unloaded,
Would help you regain what you've squandered of time!

14. Desist from habitual vice that has possessed you -
Both soul and body - and don suit anew!

15. Arise! Do not waste a day without loving Him
Who did not waste Love and Grace even on sinners in prison!

16. Who hopes one day to break his wicked habits
Resembles one who expects guidance from an idol!

17. So prove earnest and you'll be guided right; and therein
Working, you may find deliverance from debt's yoke.

18. Intercede through Her who, by Her jealousy,
Has become an army that tears the armies of jinn and demons!

19. O God's City! You are the fortress of our faith,
And the nature of a fortress is to be built on foundations.

20. By the right of passion and praise - which bear me witness -
O Mary the Maiden! I shall not forget you in my time.

21. How can one who is ill forget the cure of his illness?
How can I forget your healing while it still treatments me?