1. There is none in your time whose affection you hope for
Except the generous to the sons of the generous purely
١. ما في زَمانك مَن تَرجو مَودّتُهُ
إَلا كَريمٌ لِأَبناءِ الكِرامِ صَفا
2. So the brother of villains is no brother to the free nobleman
Nor a friend if the era betrays and fulfils
٢. فَما أَخو اللُؤم لِلحُرِّ الكَريمِ أَخٌ
وَلا صَديقٌ إِذا خانَ الزَّمانَ وَفى
3. Live alone and do not rely on anyone
Who rewards you for a trust you advanced to him eagerly
٣. فَعِشْ فَريداً وَلا تَركن إِلى أَحَدٍ
يجزيكَ مِن ثِقَةٍ أَسلَفتَها لَهَفا
4. Or do not ever be wary of him
When I have advised you in what I have said and enough
٤. أَو لا فَكُن أَبَداً مِنهُ عَلى حَذَرٍ
وَقَد نَصَحتُكَ فيما قُلتُهُ وَكَفى