1. God multiplied the throng of fools,
And rewarded them well over the wise,

2. And protected them from every eye
That would lead to their extinction and end.

3. We could not exist without them, for if not
For them, the merit of wisdom would not shine.

4. The ignorant and the wise attained equal
Status and position over the base rabble.

5. God created contrast for a mystery,
Nay, He embedded in it the wisdom of sages.

6. By it the scholar was distinguished from the ignorant,
And the generous from the clan of misers.

7. Oh if not for them, every opposite
Would equal its opposite without great toil.

8. And among people good and evil would equal,
And light would equal the dark.

9. And so let there persist scoundrels and incompetents,
And lowly ones, and let the ignorant live.