إنْ كنتَ تطلُب رتبَةَ الأحرارِ

فأعْمَدْ لحِلْمٍ راجحٍ وَوَقارِ

If you seek the rank of the noble and free

Then be steadfast, wise, dignified and calm

وحَذارِ مِن سَفَهٍ يَشِينُكُ وَصمُهُ

إنَّ التَّسَفُّهَ بالمُروءةِ زارِ

Beware of foolishness that would mar your reputation

For foolishness is the foe of manliness

وذَرِ السَّفيه إذا تَصدّى لامرِئٍ

مَتَحَلِّمٍ ونَحاهُ بالإضرار

Leave the fool when he accosts a wise man

Who is forbearing and whom he seeks to harm

فالماءُ يُطفي وهو لَيْنٌ مَسُّهُ

عَذْبٌ مَذاقَتُهُ لَهِيبَ النَّارِ

For water quenches fire though gentle its touch

Sweet its taste, unlike flames that scar