1. Sarkis's habit was creativity as much as he was able
And can Sarkis relax if he does not create?
١. جَرَتْ عَادَةُ سَرْكِيسٍ
عَلَى الإبدَاعِ مَا اسْطَاعَا
2. The view of virtue, if perfected
The view of beauty, if cared for
٢. وَهَلْ يَرْتاحُ سَرْكِيسٌ
إِذَا لمْ يَأْتِ إِبْدَاعَا
3. The view of noble manners
And refinement altogether
٣. فَرَأْيُ الفَضْلِ إِنْ تَمَّ
وَرَأْيُ الحُسْنِ إِنْ رَاعَا
4. To it prestige is added
Counting the hour then the hour
٤. وَرَأْيُ الشِّيَمِ الحُرَّةِ
وَالآدَابِ جُمَّاعَا
5. The people gathered, nobles
And merchants and farmers
٥. إِلَيْهَا الجَاهُ مُنْضَمَّا
يَعُدُّ السَّاعَ فَالسَّاعَا
٦. تَلاَقَى القَوْمُ أَعْيَاناً
وَتُجَّاراً وَزُرَّاعَا