اذا جارَهَمٌّ فاعتصِمْ بمُدامَةٍ

فانَّ حُميَّاها لمُعْتَصمٍ تَحْمي

When fate's arrows pierce, take refuge in wine

For its fervor protects those who take shelter

وانْ قيلَ مغرىً بالخلاعة عاكفٌ

على الجهل قُلْ لا بل هزيمٌ من الهم

And if it's said an ascetic secluded in robes

Is ignorant, say no, but one defeated by sorrow

وخَلِّ تكاليفَ الحَياةِ لنشْوَةٍ

تُريك الغنى المحسود في ساعة العُدْم

And leave life's burdens for a moment of bliss

That shows you cherished riches in times of destitution

ومن كان عِلْمُ النفس مما يسرُّه

فاني امْرؤْ يا طالما سائني عِلْمي

And if self-knowledge gives him pleasure

Then I am a man long tormented by my knowledge

ولم أرَ في الأشياء والحظُّ شاهدٌ

بما أدَّعي شيئاً أضَرَّ منَ الفَهْم

And I've not seen in all things, though fortune bears witness

A claim more harmful than understanding