1. What towering pillar of glory,
Has the hand of fate brought down in grief,

2. Storms of time and fate destroyed it,
Toppling the glory of pride.

3. It fell from lofty heights,
Forced down the rugged cliff,

4. Its face in the dust.
My friend was faithful and dutiful,

5. Sheltering me with provision.
A companion in every trial,

6. There at meals and gifts.
Fair of face when we met, gentle and kind,

7. Difficult and firm when opposed.
A breaker and grinder when ranks clashed,

8. Passionate in the heat of conflict.
Fate wore down his strength, time diminished

9. The throne of his mighty reign.
Without him, how far I am, alas never again

10. Will I enjoy a meal’s pleasure!
My friend from childhood to grey old age,

11. When time had tousled my hair.
The one I relied on in time of need,

12. My strength, my pillar and support.
Who now will tame the fierce,

13. Subdue foes, and join the fight?
Lord, he tore the skins off the arrogant,

14. Ripped out the hearts of the proud.
We did not appreciate his true worth,

15. Until he was taken, left in peace.
How I grieve for the fallen hero,

16. Claimed by the hand of time.
You replaced my throne with a bier,

17. As years and eras passed.
You have left me bereft of my brilliant companion,

18. A lion in his prime.
What more misfortune do you want from me,

19. Now that I am weak and aged?
He who expects long companionship from fate

20. Should expect only pain.
All hardship is eased if God grants

21. His servant a good ending.