وأَخٍ جَفا ظُلْماً ومَلَّ وطالَما

وأَخٍ جَفا ظُلْماً ومَلَّ وطالَما

فُقْنا الأَنامَ مَوَدَّةً ونِداما

فُقْنا الأَنامَ مَوَدَّةً ونِداما

And a brother shunned me unjustly and tired of me, though for so long

A brother was unjust and turned away, after our love was long and true,

We had surpassed mankind in affection and companionship at wine.

Yet I make no reproach. Men may change - 'tis folly to be always blue.

فَسَلَوْتُ عَنْهُ وقُلْتُ لَيْسَ بِمُنْكَرٍ

فَسَلَوْتُ عَنْهُ وقُلْتُ لَيْسَ بِمُنْكَرٍ

لِلدَّهْرِ أَنْ جَعَلَ الكِرامَ لِئاما

لِلدَّهْرِ أَنْ جَعَلَ الكِرامَ لِئاما

So I ceased to pine for him and said: it is no wonder

Wine that was purest sap of the vine grows sharp and bitter brew;

For time to have made the noble ignoble.

Cups that were filled with honey and balm are drained and dregs remain in view.

فَالخَمْرُ وهي الرَّاحُ رُبَّتَما غَدَتْ

فَالخَمْرُ وهي الرَّاحُ رُبَّتَما غَدَتْ

خَلاًّ وكَانَتْ قَبْلَ ذَاكَ مُداما

خَلاًّ وكَانَتْ قَبْلَ ذَاكَ مُداما

For wine, that intoxicating draught, has sometimes turned

To vinegar, though before that it was wine.