أقول لمنكر فقري قنوعا

بكسب فيه ضرّ وامتناع

I say to the one who denies my poverty, being content

With earnings that bring harm and abstention

مدحت الناس والدنيا عروسٌ

وما تحويه من خير متاع

People and the world were praised as a bride

And whatever good belongings it contains

فلمّا صارت الدنيا عجوزا

لها شمطٌ وليس لها قناع

But when the world became an old woman

With wrinkles and no veil

تناهبها اللئام وكلّ ذئب

وحالت دون جدواها الساع

The wicked plunder it, and every wolf

And the hours have come between it and its usefulness

تركت الشعر للراضين منها

بما يرضى به القوم الجياع

I left poetry for those who are pleased with it

With what satisfies the hungry people

وصنت النفس عن مدح وذمّ

وترداد إلى السفل الرعاع

And I protected my soul from praise and blame

And returning to the lowly rabble

وقلت لها اقصري فالموت آتٍ

وكلّ وديعة فلها ارتجاع

And I said to it, shorten, for death is coming

And every deposit will be taken back

يعفّ الليث عن صيد ابن آوى

ويغلب بعد ما غلب الشجاع

The lion spares prey of one who took refuge

And overcomes after overcoming the brave

أأطلبُ الغنى عن غير حظّ

وهل أغنى بلا ربح سراع

Shall I seek wealth without a share

Can one become wealthy without swift gain?