1. Whenever I say to someone in need, "Yes,
I will grant your request immediately, as is my way,"
١. متى ما أقل يوماً لصاحبِ حاجةٍ
نعم أقضها قِدماً وذلك من شكلي
2. And if I say "No" outright and do not
Bother to soften it with gentle words,
٢. وإن قلت لا بتُّتها من مكانها
ولم أُوذِه فيها بجرٍّ مَطل
3. Then for initial stinginess I deserve less blame
Than generosity at first and then withdrawing it through stinginess.
٣. ولَلَبَخلة الأولى أقلُّ ملامةً
من الجود بدءاً ثم تثنيه بالبخل