1. Has the firm resolution to bid farewell seized you?
The longing's task has summoned you insistently.

2. My blamer, have you blamed me out of ignorance?
Yet ignorance in us is no justification.

3. I see they have turned against me, but who
Can tolerate with composure at farewell?

4. Ask gently what you can, do not drive me away,
If one day you desire I obey.

5. I refused to break that pact, for I
Would not tend the rift if left by the tender.

6. Distraction seizes me, how can one be consoled
When a youth wakes from slumber to strife?

7. Is it any wonder a lad's heart is rent
When the nights' hands sever him with interruption?

8. He lost composure who spent his nights obeying,
Though all his life he had steadfast composure.

9. I saw time demolish what the fathers built
Of glorious ambitions through their exertion.

10. That is because the poison of effort is more lasting
In the body than snakes' poison.

11. So be as patient as you can, I have seen
Patience is the height of noble temper.

12. Be not hasty when you attempt a matter,
Attain what you sought without resistance.

13. What you cannot do, leave it be,
And place the attainable before you.

14. Your sustenance will reach you in full
Even if the lions' mouths have engulfed it.

15. Let your tongue in truth be sharper
Than a keen sword in the grip of the brave.

16. Restraining speech is man's adornment
If listening well has graced him.

17. How many who hear knowledge do not grasp it!
How many listeners are inattentive!

18. Befriending the witless libertine is loss
Even if both hands proffered him measures.

19. So follow no foolish brother, leave him be,
And spend your days in the learned's company.

20. You saw custom, once so alive,
Now mourned by the herald of its death.