ورُبّ صديق خالص الوُدّ ناصح

ورُبّ صديق خالص الوُدّ ناصح

وفيّ بما يُعطي من العهد شاكر

وفيّ بما يُعطي من العهد شاكر

And many a friend is sincere in affection, a true adviser,

A true friend of pure affection is an advisor

Faithful to the pledge he gives, and grateful,

Faithful in fulfilling his pledge, grateful

كريم بما في كفه وهو مُعدمٌ

كريم بما في كفه وهو مُعدمٌ

عليم لدى الإشكال من خلف ساتر

عليم لدى الإشكال من خلف ساتر

Generous with what is in his palm, though he is destitute,

Generous with what is in his hand though he owns nothing

Knowledgeable when difficulties arise, a protector from behind;

Knowledgeable in solving problems though from behind a veil

وإن يخذُلنك الدّهرُ يوماًن فإنّهُ

وإن يخذُلنك الدّهرُ يوماًن فإنّهُ

على الدّهر نصرٌ فقد لناصر

على الدّهر نصرٌ فقد لناصر

And if fate forsakes you one day, he is

And if time should fail you one day, still

A victory over fate—[the closing phrase is unclear as written].

Over time there is victory, for there is a helper