رأيتُ الخير في عيني صغيراً

ضعيف الشخص من فرط الهزل

I saw goodness in the eyes of a little one

Weak in body from excessive thinness

فقلت له ضعفت وكنت جزلا

جميل الحال محمود الفعال

So I said to him, "You've grown weak and were once strong

Fine in state, praiseworthy in deed"

فقال غلبت والدنيا ضروبٌ

تقلب أهلها في كل حال

So he said, "I've been overcome, and the world has all kinds

That toss its people in every state"

فقلت ولم غلبت فقال أضحى

رجالُ الشر أكثر من رجالي

So I said, "Why have you been overcome?" He said, "There are now

More evil men than my men"