1. A youth has assumed what path is open to him
And old age has manifested, with no respite from it

2. So this is the complexion and duration of nights of union
While that is like days of separation, thus prolonged

3. The prime of a man's life is the days of his youth
And he is fortunate if he dies when it passes

4. So do not count life after youth
For all life thereafter is excess

5. When an old man grows richer, he is poorer than a pauper
And if he regains health after old age, he is but ailing

6. The people before us cried in the days of their youth
Crying which they prolonged, yet was brief