1. My youth’s memories that remind me
After repentance and return

2. You reminded me of things from
A time whose longing I left behind

3. Things whose loss I've tasted
Like a weaned child feels pain

4. Cobwebs have woven over them
And settled between my ribs

5. And if you demand an answer
Take your answer from my tears

6. The new has gone from my youth
So what can you expect from one worn?

7. I wish that youth would last
But is there any intercessor for it?

8. How I was drawn to the open country
With boys like the springtime

9. And the flowers of the meadows were shamed
By the beauty of exquisite blossoms

10. And I passed the nights of youth
In more delightful wakefulness than sleep

11. And knocked on the tents of dark-eyed maidens
And cheeks bright like candles

12. And I traveled to the great king
Of lofty station and noble rank

13. And shared with him command
Executed by commoner and noble alike

14. And I attained that though I was not
Worthy of it, having neglected my duty

15. Then I returned to composure and humility
To the bounds of tranquility and devotion

16. So I abandoned all those things and more
Say peace be upon all

17. As for you, my friend, what can you expect from me?
You are not of that refined character

18. Nor of noble rank
After old age, do you want from me

19. The heedlessness of a debauched youth?
No, no - by God, I am neither

20. One who hears nor one who obeys
If after old age you return

21. Then despair of my returning
How can I return when I have seen

22. The winds play with the plants?
It would be shameful for you to return

23. After beholding the firm walls of encampments
And settling in the shade of the expansive

24. And secure enclosure
And know, my brother, that it is not

25. By bowing down or kneeling in prayer
For there is so much generosity and refinement

26. And so much kindness and tender meadows
Take account of what you intend

27. Before embarking
And make your talk of descending

28. Foremost before rising