1. Alas, should man feel safe from fate for long?
For in the length of respite lurks deceit.

2. How many kings who hoped for immortality
Have you seen swept away by the turns of fate?

3. I am afflicted with a house whose sorrows are endless;
I see no recourse but trust in God and patience.

4. If a day passes with an event, and I say,
"I am safe from its harm," a night brings new trouble.

5. I love the noble youth who turns his hearing away from vices,
As if to guard himself from each corruption and defect.

6. Composed in his feelings, neither refusing bounty,
Nor barring good deeds, nor speaking words of estrangement.

7. If a companion slips, make excuses to cover his error;
Seek to be an apologist for his slip.

8. I see no use in asking people for comfort
By which to soothe hardship and revive ease.

9. The hand you have accustomed to booty
Will need to be thanked if you wish it to show gratitude.

10. A man's wealth lies in contendedness to plug his lacks;
If something extra accrues, that wealth becomes poverty.