1. Whenever I ask after you, you do not speak plainly,
And I strongly suspect this attitude will not succeed.

2. You have come to praise what others would condemn,
And to delay what you used to hasten to accomplish.

3. If you do not maintain your praise, why ask about one who praises?
How long will you continue in your error,

4. Remaining tonight as you were this morning?
How long will you keep company with one who corrupts the land instead of setting it right?

5. How long will a creature forbid you, though he cannot grant success?
By God, when will one who is not seen to succeed ever succeed?