نظرت وقد قام الخطيب وراقني

نظرت وقد قام الخطيب وراقني

على درَج بدر العلى وهو صاعد

على درَج بدر العلى وهو صاعد

I looked as the preacher rose, and was charmed

I saw as the orator stood, and it pleased me,

By the full moon of eminence on the steps as he ascended.

On the highest step, ascending,

ولما رأيت الناس دون محله

ولما رأيت الناس دون محله

تيقنت أن الدهر للناس ناقد

تيقنت أن الدهر للناس ناقد

And when I saw the people below his station,

And when I saw the people below his position,

I knew for certain that time is a discerning judge of people.

I was certain that time appraises all people.