1. I saw old age rushing at you
As if death is beckoning you

2. So beware, o you
I will not follow suit

3. And do not indulge further in this life
Lest you increase your suffering

4. Piety suffices you
Even if you are called wretched

5. You turned away from death
While death's caller calls you

6. And its guide, even if you sleep
Moves hastily towards you

7. So neither your day forgets you
Nor does your provision evade you

8. Whenever you seek people
You become enslaved by them

9. If you lighten up
On people, they will love you

10. But if you burden them
They will denounce and insult you

11. If you want to be disobeyed
Then command one who does not hope in you

12. And command one who does not fear you
For he will bleed because of it