1. Many a dull and slovenly man,
Filthy in clothes, of impudent look,

2. The world deems a fool, but in the company of the wise,
He is shrewd and keen.

3. Though he seems sleepy or absent-minded,
Yet strong in thought and sharp in wit.

4. He brings forth pearls from the depths of the sea,
And leads the stars forth from the midst of the sky.

5. How many has he saved from the fetters of grief,
And rescued from the evil of those who share not his faith!

6. He is like a dog, hunting prey whenever it moves,
Or like a devil, ever seducing men to evil.

7. The new moon follows wherever he goes,
And you see him treading wherever it has trod.

8. If he says "Obey", 'tis obeyed,
If he says "Leave", 'tis left.

9. When he seemed to slight me because of my love,
I said "He is lost to me, the beloved of my heart".

10. But he made the full moon shine from him towards me
And the full moon borrows all its light from his cheek.