ما اِزددت في أَدَبي حَرفاً أُسَرَّ بِهِ

إِلّا تزيدت حَرفاً تَحتَه شومُ

I did not increase my knowledge by a single letter

I have not added a single letter to my learning that brings me joy,

Without adding below it an ill-omened letter.

Without adding a letter beneath which lies misfortune.

كَفاكَ من يَدّعي حِذقاً بصنعنه

أَنّى تَوجَّه فيها فَهوَ مَحروم

It is enough that one claims skill in his making

It suffices you regarding one who claims mastery in his craft,

In whichever direction he turns in it, he is deprived.

That wherever he turns within it, he remains deprived.