1. I do not love a companion who is rude and harsh,
Whose nature is dry, whose manners are bad and gloomy.

2. Rather, I love a companion of refined speech,
Of easy, rewarding deeds and smooth disposition.

3. How excellent is the softness of manners in every companion,
Like a gentle breeze, perfumed and scented.

4. Jesting flows from him in scattered pearls,
Arranged in a necklace of coherent words.

5. With speech that is starry, not foolish babble,
Nor boring nonsense, but serious and playful.

6. Flowing smoothly, adorned with eloquent rhetoric,
That ignites and illuminates what you desire.

7. The ear is saturated before his speech is finished,
With subtle jokes, both dispraise and praise.

8. And meanings are unveiled for the sincere,
About the works of hands, as clear as honey.

9. How excellent, how excellent, is the companion whose company,
Makes life seem ever new and renewed!