1. O Abu Hassan, fulfill my need through her company,
Or else, leave me to polish my sword with her.

2. You began with kindness, so match it with the like,
With praise, and release my need from her reins.

3. Or else, set free an ambitious man from ambitions,
Who comes and goes suffering in her ropes.

4. I have given you sincere praise without procrastination,
So do not fail me regarding my need with delays.

5. For I give thanks when it is fulfilled,
And I give excuses when it is hindered.

6. When will you clothe me with the garment of its benefit,
For you are the young man clothed in the gown of her beauty.

7. Ways have continued for the eminent ones among them,
And you, O son, are truthful in following them.

8. So strive for me with a face whose dignity is preserved in its abasement,
And how many faces had their dignity preserved in their abasement!

9. No eminent person has anything in the hand of its possessor,
But undoubtedly, it is in the hands of its Doer.

10. So hurry and do not delay with what you are suited for,
For the best deeds of a young man are in his hastening.

11. And the warriors have nothing but their braces,
Of deeds whose flowers are not but their gathering.