ما في زَمانك مَن تَرجو مَودّتُهُ

إَلا كَريمٌ لِأَبناءِ الكِرامِ صَفا

There is none in your time whose affection you hope for

Except the generous to the sons of the generous purely

فَما أَخو اللُؤم لِلحُرِّ الكَريمِ أَخٌ

وَلا صَديقٌ إِذا خانَ الزَّمانَ وَفى

So the brother of villains is no brother to the free nobleman

Nor a friend if the era betrays and fulfils

فَعِشْ فَريداً وَلا تَركن إِلى أَحَدٍ

يجزيكَ مِن ثِقَةٍ أَسلَفتَها لَهَفا

Live alone and do not rely on anyone

Who rewards you for a trust you advanced to him eagerly

أَو لا فَكُن أَبَداً مِنهُ عَلى حَذَرٍ

وَقَد نَصَحتُكَ فيما قُلتُهُ وَكَفى

Or do not ever be wary of him

When I have advised you in what I have said and enough