1. The palaces of my ancestors with all their striving
And people saying so-and-so did not succeed
١. قُصورُ الجَدِّ مَع طولِ المَساعي
وَقَولُ الناسِ لَم يَنجَح فُلانُ
2. Are dearer to me than an effort that is doomed,
Even if the supreme goal is reached by despised endeavor
٢. أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِن سَعيٍ هَجينٍ
وَإِن بَلَغَ العُلى جَدٌّ هِجانُ
3. Time would blame me if harm came to it through my hands,
But time cannot be blamed for what befalls me
٣. يُذَمُّ لِيَ الزَمانُ إِذا أَلامَت
يَداهُ وَلا يُذَمُّ بِيَ الزَمانُ