1. Living is worthless but for frugality;
If wasteful and prodigal, destitution and decay you shall surely meet.

2. Knowledge adorns and ennobles its bearer;
Seek the jewel of knowledge and literature as a gift.

3. No good in him who lacks manners with ancestry;
Until he rises to the level his hump warrants.

4. How many highborn of base stock and loudmouthed;
Their lineage among the throng exalted while being upstarts.

5. In an honored house their sires nobles;
Afterwards they became the tail what once was the head.

6. One both heedless of forebears yet mannered;
Through manners and rank did attain heights.

7. He became mighty, grand, renowned;
On his cheek a scar that long has hid.

8. Knowledge is a cache that shall never run out;
Fine companion it makes if accompanied.

9. A man gathers wealth only for it to be snatched;
In no time he meets subjugation and devastation.

10. The learned is blissful through it forever;
Neither loss nor dispossession need he fear.

11. O learned one, choice treasure you amass;
It matches not pearl nor gold in equivalence.