1. بانَ عَهدُ الشَبابِ مِنكُم حَميدا

    وَجَديداً لَو كانَ دامَ جَديدا

    The season of youth has left you, worthy of praise,

    and fresh—if only it had stayed fresh.

  2. فَتَرى الظاعِنَ المُقَوِّضُ بَيتَي

    هِ يُرجّى مِن قُلعَةٍ أَن يَعودا

    So you see the departing traveler, dismantling his two tents,

    whose return after departure is hoped for.

  3. لا يُرى ناقِلاً إِلى الحَيِّ رِجلاً

    لا وَلا ثانِياً إِلى الدارِ جيدا

    He is not seen moving a foot toward the encampment,

    no, nor turning his neck toward the dwelling.

  4. فَإِذا شِئتَ أَن تُبَكّي لَيالي

    هِ فَمِلأَنَ قُل لِعَينَيكَ جودا

    So if you wish to weep for its nights,

    tell your two eyes from now on: 'Pour forth!'