1. The dew refused to listen to poetry's call, deafened
So neither reciting nor composing will avail you

2. O poetry reciters, go slowly, do not hurry
Restrain yourselves, for praise yields no prosperity

3. We live in a time when eloquence is loved
If only it whispered gently, discreet and wise

4. How much you praise yet give no reward
As if your praise itself should suffice

5. If your livelihood was in clay or water
Even clay and water would fail you one day

6. O you who hope for gifts, you live in a time
Where nobility and excellence are but names

7. Beware, beware of showing arrogance
For that, if realized, is disease itself

8. Do not say, if you want success, my ancestors are killed
My fathers and forefathers are gone

9. A lover is shunned and one whose belief
Is firm - his fate is but expulsion

10. One of good faith and righteous belief
His fate is nothing but expulsion

11. If you ask, you're told all ask, and if
You complain, you're accused of railing

12. I seek God's forgiveness; railing is not my trait
But I'm a man who rages when oppressed

13. Kingship is nothing but a fancied saddle
Cast off if the reins of generosity are not slackened

14. Where are the kings whose hopes were never
Met except with benevolence and giving?

15. Until from plenty and satiation they forget
A people whose lot is barren destitution

16. Tell the poor poets, O how weary
Minds become when no wealth comes their way

17. Are these kings, the kings of our age? Does any
Walk the path of kindness? I say nay

18. How we've praised, but our praise never profits
For they only give to those whom they wish

19. O protector of the helpless, few aid you
And time's cruelty has left you alone

20. Hear the plaint of a suffering complainant
If declaring distress may avail or raise you

21. Of what use are verses when their covenant is broken?
In your time, does poetry gain strength?

22. Of what use are verses when their covenant is broken?
In your time, does poetry fade and weaken?

23. Of what use are verses when their covenant is broken?
In your time, does poetry fade and weaken?

24. Who can lift it from the abyss of disgrace
When the sandals of humiliation trample its glory?

25. Alas, its splendor is shackled by its companion's plight
As horizons shrink for both until they narrow

26. A craft brought low in our midst, its wares
Sell at a loss, with poverty the trader's share

27. Come save a desperate man, extend to him
Shelter, if hardship or harm befall his lot