1. Do not blame the days of your life,
For its covenants are ever changing.

2. When misfortune pounces, endure it,
And be patient in your trials.

3. For time tricks like a mirage,
Deceiving like the gleam of a serpent.

4. Whenever I sought solace there,
Melancholy was all I reaped.

5. If you seek its serenity,
Be prepared for all kinds of torment.

6. Do not complain, for none care
If you complain, you will not be answered.

7. My friend, how does the howling of wolves
Harm the lion in his lair?

8. Without you, gazelle of the meadow,
The rugged mountains would not humble me.

9. Your heart is accustomed to the ways of love,
So it does not weary of passion.

10. He comes near but modesty prevents him,
So he returns, veiling his desire.

11. The moon is loveliest
When robed in thin clouds.

12. God has granted us an easy life,
And forbidden pastimes in plenty.

13. Our joy is but awakened,
Happiness, though care casts its shadows.

14. When we steal a kiss from the cheeks,
And drink the red wine.

15. While we are in our primes,
With youth of unknown account.

16. So leave this world and strive
And stop toying with temptations.

17. Leave it be, for maturity has come
To dethrone the sultanate of youth.

18. Revelry after forty is not seemly,
Even if you can still indulge.

19. For it has sent ahead its warnings
To you, saddled for departure.