1. من عزَّ ذلَّ إذا طالَ الزمانُ به

    وآيةُ الدهر تقليبٌ وتصريفُ

    Whoever is exalted is humbled when time runs long for him.

    And time's hallmark is reversal and change.

  2. ميزانه ما له عدلٌ يشاهده

    وإنما هو نقصانٌ وتطفيف

    Its balance holds no justice one can see;

    It is nothing but deficiency and short measure.

  3. فليس يفرح شخصٌ باستقامته

    إلا ومن حينه يأتيه تحريف

    So no one rejoices in its steadiness

    Without distortion coming to him that very moment.