1. I saw the naked nights restored
to them, but they hope not for permanence in that they desire,
١. رأيتُ عواريَّ الليالي مُعَادةً
إليها فلا تَرْجُ البَقاءَ لما تُرْجي
2. And the days have not left the leopard his coat.
So think not that you can preserve your companion on his charger.
٢. ولم تَتْركِ الأيامُ للنَّمْرِ جلدَهُ
فتأمُلَ أن تُبقِي على صاحب السَّرجِ
3. The ends of a time in their corruption
resembled its beginnings. How like is sore to sore!
٣. أواخرُ دهرٍ أشبهتْ في فَسادِها
أوائِلَها ما أشبَهَ الشَّرْجَ بالشَّرْجِ