1. God did not allow me to rise except through my virtues,
When the ignoble rose through wealth.

2. And if my forefathers were honored before me,
I am, praise be to God, the initiator of my nobility.

3. The times vilify me if I stumble once,
And praise me if I succeed through my effort.

4. There is no position above my destiny,
Even if my belongings were placed atop an eagle and a horse.

5. When the soul of a young man is noble, his worth increases
Above any contemporary, in renown and glory.

6. Thus is the steel of a sword—if its essence is pure,
Its value becomes multiples, like the weight of silver.

7. Those whose nobility cannot be compared to mine
Envy me when we come together in an assembly.

8. Wealth is nothing but a loan soon taken back,
Why do they envy me for my merit rather than vie?

9. And there are people whose homes I've become a neighbor to
Like bits of glass next to Zabarjad gems.

10. Every tender person is gladdened by my nearness
And every sullen person dislikes my presence.

11. And I socialize with one of them—an imprudent leader,
And follow one of them—an unguided guide.

12. If I had no power in office
To lengthen my arm and spread wide my hand,

13. If I had no obeyed authority to execute
So I could subdue my enemies and humble my enviers,

14. If no procession still came to my door after procession
Fearing a return or expecting a promise,

15. Then I would keep my distance to protect myself
Like a drawn sword, sheathed, guarded.

16. So I'm excused if I fall short toward the pretentious
And safe from the cunning of the transgressor.

17. Is it enough that I'm not enough? That’s an affliction—
I see the impact of the unsheathed sword below it.

18. If not for the burdens of the eminent and costly
Obligations, debts gripping the indebted,

19. And my soul’s dread of opposing my loved ones
And fearing the consequences of words tomorrow,

20. I would have let my soul fulfill its wish
And that is what I’ve wanted since I was young.

21. It is wise not to be bothered by what
You suffer of hated things as if they were dear.

22. When my patience in the matter betrays me and does not
Assist my resolve, my composure takes its place.

23. Whoever seeks help through patience attains his wish,
Even if after some time. Verily, that is the best aid.