ليتَ العناقَ وشُربَ الرَّاح قد عُقدا

بالنَّجم أو خُزِنَا في ذِروَةِ الفَلَك

Would that embracing and a draught of wine had been bound

to the star, or stored at the summit of the firmament;

فلم يُعانق مَليحاً غَيرُ ذي كَرَمٍ

ولم يَخبَّ إلى كأس سوى ملكِ

then none but a generous man would embrace a beauty,

and none but a king would hasten toward a cup.

شيئان نغَّص أهلَ الفضلِ طيبُهما

تشارك الناس لا طيبٌ لمشتَركِ

Two things—their sweetness has been spoiled for people of merit

by everyone’s sharing; there is no savor in what is held in common.