1. Man seeks while death seeks him,
And the hand of time turns him and changes him.

2. The greedy is not increased in his provision,
God apportions it to him and provides for him.

3. Do not be angry at fate, for whoever
Pleases fate is less than one who angers it.

4. What man except that decay lies in wait for him
In every place a guardian to watch him?

5. Death is a basin none can avoid,
Bitter its taste, disgusting its drink.

6. You see the spirited youth speak of it
Amidst pleasure as if he does not fear it.

7. And most hidden is what the youth encounters in himself
Age's fangs tear it asunder and its claws.

8. And how often a diversion for one feeling pleasure
I found it weeping over him and mourning him.

9. Whoever made the world his biggest concern
It burdened him with toil for loving it.

10. So be patient with the world and length of its sorrows
Not all who are in it see what pleases them.

11. The days have not ceased to play with the youth-
One time enabling him and another stealing him away.

12. Whoever continues to wonder at all
The days bring- his wonderment lasts long.