1. They said, "We see people high with kings though they
Have not the spirit to be high nor dignity."
١. قالوا نرى نفراً عند الملوك سموا
وما لهم همة تسمو ولا وزع
2. And you are one of lofty spirit in excellence,
Then why are you athirst while they in honor have drunk full?
٢. وأنت ذو همة في الفضل عالية
فلم ظمئت وهم في الجاه قد كرعوا
3. I said, "They sold themselves and took a paltry price.
I kept myself and would not bow as they bowed down."
٣. فقلت باعوا نفوساً واشتروا ثمناً
وصنت نفسي فلم أخضع كما خضعوا
4. The ape is sometimes honored for his antic tricks,
The lion brought to shame for pride that is too great.
٤. قد يكرم القرد إعجاباً بخسته
وقد يهان لفرط النخوة السبع