1. The joy of life is but to share
The company of the virtuous and wise

2. Kings and nobles and chieftains they are
Befriend them, attend their gatherings with etiquette

3. Let your destiny follow wherever they leave you behind
Value time, be ever present with them

4. Know that contentment comes solely to those who attend
When questioned, be silent and say

5. I have no knowledge, feign ignorance
See no faults but your own, believing

6. A glaring fault hid by excuses
Bow your head, seek forgiveness without cause

7. Stand on the plank of impartiality, apology at the ready
If a fault appears in you, admit and make amends

8. Offer your apology for the wrongs within yourself
Say “I, your servants, most deserve your forgiveness

9. So pardon and be gentle, O virtuous ones”
They are best at benevolence, such is their way

10. Fear no harm nor rejection from them
Seek the company of brothers always

11. Bewildered, the meaning of rejection or harm from them I cannot grasp
Observe the elder in his states, mayhap

12. He will see the marks of your goodness upon you
Offer dedication, rise up in service to him

13. That he be pleased, beware lest you show annoyance
In his pleasure is the pleasure of the Maker

14. Obey him and beware to leave that undone
Know that the way of these people is courtesy

15. And the state nowadays of those who claim it, see how it is!
When do I see them? Whence comes news of them?

16. Or does the ear hear report of them from me?
What claim have I, likes of me, to impose

17. On springs to which I am unaccustomed and strange?
I love them, keep my distance out of reverence

18. Especially some among them, an elite gathering
Nobles of personality, wherever they sit

19. The place remains perfumed with their vestiges
The civility they embody suffices

20. To please my eye with harmony between them
They are beloved friends who trail behind them

21. The banners of glory as pride they gather
My bonds with them remain in God connected

22. Our sins thereby forgiven and covered over
Then blessings upon the Chosen One, our liegelord