1. My brother Abdel-Messih, I would give my soul for you
It pains me to offer you condolences

2. For one like you, O treasured friend
When misfortunes befall and hopes grow faint

3. I have no comfort to give but the sorrow
That fills my whole being

4. Laugh at existence, though it brings no joy
To the despondent, wandering the wilderness

5. We hope for tomorrow, but tomorrow passes
Like today, dying in yesterday's embrace

6. Existence grants us no happiness
Except sorrows dressed in intimacy's robes

7. Life confers no immortality on us or you
Only motes that shine in every sunbeam

8. Sigh like me, my friend, and mock
Our world and this abject living

9. To lose you was to lose a jewel
That slips away after being grasped

10. Word of your loss came while I was ill
Bringing sorrow and despair yet nearer

11. It came after you were buried, and tears
Flowed from me twice over for you, O soul

12. But you, my friend, your wisdom
Is refuge in every ill-omened thing

13. You are the philosopher beyond dispute
Who can free the chained from fetter and gyve

14. So do not weigh down your mind with suffering
Whether past or still left to endure