سَدِّد مَرامي الطِفلِ في شَأنِهِ

بِلَفظَةٍ تَشدُد بِها أَزرَه

Guide the child's purpose in his affair

With a phrase that strengthens his resolve

وَاِكتَفِ بِاللَمحَةِ مِن فَهمِهِ

إِنَّ المَبادي أَبَداً نَزرَه

And be content with a hint of his understanding

For principles are always paltry to him

أَما تَرى النيرانَ مِن شُعلَةٍ

وَالدَوحَةَ اللَفاءَ مِن بَزرَه

Don't you see how fires flare from a spark

And palms flourish from a seed?