1. قد ظهر الجور من الوالي

    فطاب لبس الخلق البالي

    The governor’s oppression has become manifest,

    so wearing old, threadbare clothes has become welcome.

  2. واستحسن الناس جحود الغنى

    وأظهر الإفلاس ذو المال

    And people look favorably on denying their wealth,

    and the man of wealth makes a show of bankruptcy.

  3. سر كيف ما شئت فإن الورى

    في الكسب محتال ابن محتال

    Go however you please, for humankind

    in seeking gain is a trickster, son of a trickster.

  4. قد فسد الناس وقل الوفا

    فليس من يبقى على حال

    People have grown corrupt, and faithfulness has dwindled;

    so no one remains constant.

  5. فكن وحيدا غير مستأنس

    بوالد دان ولا خال

    So be alone, seeking no companionship

    with a father nearby or a maternal uncle.

  6. فأنت في الوحدة مستروح

    من عيب ما قيل ومن قال

    For in solitude you find relief

    from the faults of what was said and of whoever said it.