1. The answer has come to you from me in a poem
If you are biased towards the right, then

2. The left is good, and this is to be trusted
There is no good in a right that paralyzes its left

3. Or an arm from which the elbow is severed
So if a person's hand strikes another's

4. Then his death among people is clear
And the teeth, if their hands are broken, will their teeth

5. Be safe from being broken or pulled out?
You are the elder and this the younger, but

6. The elder's merit over the younger is gentleness
Do not listen to the insinuations of the arrogant one saying

7. This man is weak, his state is straitened
For the lion is blinded by a small gnat

8. And the ewe is defeated by a small tick
The eagle is the fiercest bird of prey, but

9. It is killed by a hidden trap and choked
Kurush left his kingdom when he died

10. Betrayed by his troops though they were many
And Alexander was felled by one of his slaves

11. Wounded, though from him the earth was rent
Destroyed is he who ruled the entire earth

12. His parties scattered and torn apart
The path of hypocrisy has become passable, so none but

13. A hypocrite takes that path when it is passable
While truthfulness, from the scarcity of goods, has become

14. So unprofitable that even thieves shun stealing it
Do not be deceived by the coquetries of youth

15. And the flatteries of a deceiver feigning affection
For fire, in the beginning is but a spark

16. And war, in the beginning is angry talk
And injustice, its inevitable consequence is swift destruction

17. And wrong, its end is devastating calamity
While justice for mankind is the best supporter

18. And tyranny's final outcome is all-encompassing affliction
Have mercy on the people of woe, for their supplication

19. Is an arrow with which the barriers of glory are rent
And with the condition of your parents, be gentle

20. For in every condition, you should be more gentle with them
Generosity is most profitable, success is for the forgiving

21. Reconciliation is best, and agreement most harmonious
This is the sincere advice of one whose friendship

22. Is to be trusted, and whose advice leads to strength