1. وَغادَرَ مِنّي الدَهرُ عَضباً مُهَنَّداً

    يَفَلُّ شَبا خَصمي وَقَلباً مُشَيَّعا

    And Time has left me a keen blade of Indian steel,

    That blunts my foe's edge, and a courageous heart,

  2. وَجوداً يَحُلُّ الكَفَّ عَن خَيرِ مالِها

    إِذا عُقِدَت كَفُّ البَخيلِ تَمَنُّعا

    And generosity that loosens the hand's hold on its choicest wealth,

    When the miser's hand is clenched in refusal.

  3. وَإِن تَطلُبَنّي في الحُروبِ تُلاقيني

    أَهُزُّ حُساماً كُلَّما هُزَّ قَطَّعا

    And if you seek me in battle, you will find me

    Brandishing a sword that cuts to pieces whenever it is swung.

  4. تَخالُ غَديراً غَيرَ أَن لَيسَ جارِياً

    وَلا مُروِياً إِن أَنتَ حاوَلتَ مَكرَعا

    You would take it for a pool, except that it does not flow,

    Nor quench your thirst if you seek a place to drink.