1. No righteous man hopes for an ally, nor does an ally exist,
For they assist in injustice, not in equity.

2. The leader of the people was the first to break his promise.
Had fate aided him, he would have fulfilled it.

3. So do not ask a need of them, for with good words
Excuses seem fair to them when fulfilling hopes.

4. Do not trust them in loyalty,
Nor say they judge with justice when they wrong you.

5. For the righteous man neglected a long friendship
And did not preserve a brotherhood distinguishing the virtuous.

6. He nearly fooled himself with his authority,
Had he no fear that critics would spurn him

7. Or four would turn from him in disdain -
An uncle, a nephew, loved ones and the righteous.

8. For at his gates stood his guards
Who barred the way from those who visited.

9. They met them with refusal at his resources
When they were in utmost need.

10. And all who knew him before
Now see in him something to deny.

11. And say: "Woe to the man deluded by his office!
Does he not see that dismissal is near?

12. Does he not know that the days of life pass,
And thus is the fate of glory and decline?"

13. "That which the best two did has passed away with their death
Due to their righteous deeds."

14. I am determined not to greet him
As long as I live, even if that angers me.

15. And indeed, I am not pleased with him as long as
The wicked keep circling around him.

16. So do not blame me for turning away from him,
When his state and circumstances have changed.

17. Especially since in his affairs, he has become
Distinguishing, and his station has increased.

18. The hand of honor has given him three,
Shining lights upon the chest.

19. Of what use is a decorated history
To one whom they chose another over you in their circle?

20. And they preferred over you a flattering brother
Who knows not what is disgrace.

21. What is your purpose in praising them, when they
Have forgotten and have no thoughts of friendship?

22. So sever ties with them as long as their path
Has been denied by their allies and the free.

23. And accept the advice of one whose friendship
Many strangers have not changed over time.

24. You continue to be enchanted by the magic
With which poetry flows in every valley with travelers.

25. No sun of verse in the sky of literature has dawned,
No moons have blossomed in the constellations of prose,

26. Nor have I said in praising your excellent beginning:
"No righteous man hopes for an ally, nor does an ally exist."