1. O friend, do not mention a past time
That was once prosperous, lest you make life seem bitter.

2. It is the way of time to change and shift,
How often has time obeyed us, and how often disobeyed!

3. Regret avails us nothing when regret cannot mend,
Misfortune is so rife — what heart is left unscathed?

4. Their staff was once a cutting sword,
Now their sword is but a staff in semblance.