1. Had I sought my own good I would have been
Little striving for what profits me;
١. وَلَو أَنَّني أَسعى لنفسي وجدتني
قَليلَ المَساعي للَّذي أَنا كاسبُه
2. And had I in this world of dust sought gain
I had been slow to what gained me would be.
٢. وَكُنتُ إذا حاوَلتُ في الدهر مطلباً
كَثير التأنّي في الَّذي أَنا طالبُه
3. But I seek my friend's good though life's ways
Are glutted with things which soul's health tear;
٣. وَلَكِنَّني أَسعى لأَنفع صاحبي
على أَنَّ هَذا الدَهرَ أَعيَت مذاهبُه
4. And though I strive not for him, the shame
Is mine if my friend stays hungry while I fare.
٤. وإن أَنا لا أَسعى له خفتُ عارَه
وَشبعُ الفَتى عارٌ إذا جاعَ صاحبُه