يَسعَدُ ذو الجِدِّ وَيَشقى الحَريص

يَسعَدُ ذو الجِدِّ وَيَشقى الحَريص

لَيسَ لِلخَلقِ مِن قَضاءٍ مَحيص

لَيسَ لِلخَلقِ مِن قَضاءٍ مَحيص

The man blessed with good fortune prospers, while the covetous man suffers;

The man of good fortune prospers, while the grasping man suffers.

For all creation, there is no escape from fate’s decree.

For humankind there is no escape from fate.

أَينَ مُلوكُ الأَرضِ مِن حَميرٍ

أَينَ مُلوكُ الأَرضِ مِن حَميرٍ

أَكرَمُ مَن نصَّت إِلَيهِم قُلوص

أَكرَمُ مَن نصَّت إِلَيهِم قُلوص

Where are the kings of the earth, the men of Himyar—

Where are the kings of the earth from Himyar,

the most generous men toward whom a young she-camel ever sped?

the noblest to whom a young she-camel ever hastened?

جَيفَرُ الوَهّابُ أَودى بِهِ

جَيفَرُ الوَهّابُ أَودى بِهِ

دَهرٌ عَلى هَدمِ المَعالي حَريص

دَهرٌ عَلى هَدمِ المَعالي حَريص

Jayfar, the lavish giver, was carried off by

Jayfar the bountiful giver was carried off

Time, ever intent on tearing down lofty glories.

by Time, intent on bringing greatness low.