ثلاثٌ بهاءَ الوجهِ تذهب سرعةً

ثلاثٌ بهاءَ الوجهِ تذهب سرعةً

فعوذوا بربٍّ من عوائق حادِثَهْ

فعوذوا بربٍّ من عوائق حادِثَهْ

Three things swiftly take away the face’s beauty;

Three things in beauty their charm quickly cease -

so seek refuge in the Lord from troubles that arise:

Seek refuge in God from the changes of chance;

طعامٌ ردىءٌ والوقاحةُ بعده

طعامٌ ردىءٌ والوقاحةُ بعده

وكثرةُ ضحكٍ فهْيَ في العَدِّ ثالثهْ

وكثرةُ ضحكٍ فهْيَ في العَدِّ ثالثهْ

poor food, and shamelessness after it,

Foul food, ribald jesting, much laughter and ease -

and much laughter—for it is third in the count.

In number three evils that fair things enhance.