وبَصير بمَعاني الشِّعْرِ

وبَصير بمَعاني الشِّعْرِ

والإعْرابِ جِدّا

والإعْرابِ جِدّا

And a man versed in the meanings of poetry,

With deep insight into poetry’s meanings

and deeply versed in grammatical inflection,

And excellent command of grammar,

قالَ لي لّما رآني

قالَ لي لّما رآني

طالِباً مالاً ورِفْدا

طالِباً مالاً ورِفْدا

said to me when he saw me

When he saw me seeking

seeking money and aid:

Money and provision, he said:

إنّ مالي يا حبيبي

إنّ مالي يا حبيبي

لازِمٌ لا يتَعدّى

لازِمٌ لا يتَعدّى

“Indeed, my money, my dear,

“My dear, what I own

is intransitive—it does not pass on.”

Stays with me, it cannot be exceeded.”