يا لحظه الفتّاك رفقاً بامرئٍ

يقضي عليه تيقظ ومنام

O murderous moment, have mercy on a man

Whose waking and sleeping bring his end.

فإذا تنبه رعته وإذا غفا

سلت عليه سيوفك الأحكام

When he's alert, go gently on him,

And when he sleeps, put away your swords.