وكل أديب له آلة

وهديٌ يدلّ على همّته

And every writer has a style

And guidance that shows his ambition

وما المرء إلا بإخوانه

وإن كان يعبط في نعمته

And a man is nothing without his brethren

Though he may revel in his bounty

ولم أر مثل فتى عاقل

يداري الأمور على فطنته

And I've never seen a wise youth

Who handles affairs with his wit

فيحزي الصديق بإحسانه

ويجزي العدو على غفلته

Rewarding his friend with kindness

And repaying his enemy's neglect

ويلبس للدهر أثوابه

ويسجد للقرد في دولته

Donning the garb of fate

And bowing to the ape in its glory