1. When he was straightforward but did not attain his goal
Crooked, so that successes come his way

2. And so is time, straightforward yet failing
While the brother of crookedness attains what he desires

3. He chooses from among the beauties, captivating
Among them the does of the sand dunes are jealous

4. Of every maiden whose neck is alluring
Veiled by extreme shyness over her face

5. And he takes her seal by force though
Eyes blame him for his deed

6. Had it not been for him, joy would not be sweet for us
Nor would the rounds flow for all the drinking-companions

7. The smooth seducer runs after her when
He comes to her in bracelets and necklaces

8. I saw the rising of his charm shine
Poetry melts describing his beauty

9. O Lord of an advisor who guides me
His efforts went astray, he is only human

10. Does he torment our thoughts with his talk
I fear for them, they are but thoughts

11. I have nothing but a barren homeland that hopes
For cultivated youths it envies

12. The spirit of bigotry has spread through his old age
And his youth leaned towards heresy

13. And so truths are lost in
Excess, neglect, and confusion

14. Jacob’s sorrow for Joseph
Or the sorrow of Layla’s head on fire

15. Is not more intense than my sorrow for my homeland
Which you did, and our Lord is Capable

16. Alas, for this time and its people
Alas, for those among them who excel

17. The hellfire is in their hearts and tongues
Gardens of Eden underneath which rivers flow

18. Their inner self is wicked and their purity is difficult
So the good and the bad became indistinguishable

19. They were ungrateful even when time brought out a virtuous one
Denying his merit, they cannot deny

20. My experiences warned me about them
Experiences, my brother, are the criterion

21. So be gentle with yourself, my aspiring friend
For the professional is the professional, and the donkey is the donkey