وَمَن كَرُمَت طِبائِعُهُ تَحَلّى

بِآدابٍ مُفَصَلَةٍ حِسانِ

He whose nature was graced with nobility

He whose nature is noble adorns himself

Wore refined manners and gentility,

With virtues distinct and beautiful.

وَمَن قَلَّت مَطامِعُهُ تَغَطّى

مِنَ الدُنيا بِأَثوابِ الأَمانِ

And he whose ambitions were few

And he whose greed is scant cloaks himself

Took from the world robes of safety.

From the world in the garments of safety.

وَما يَدري الفَتى ماذا يُلاقي

إِذا ما عاشَ مِن حَدَثِ الزَمانِ

The youth knows not what he will face

For a man knows not what he shall encounter

As he lives through the days of his life,

So long as he lives, from the vicissitudes of time.

فَإِن غَدَرَت بِكَ الأَيامُ فَاِصبِر

وَكُن بِاللَهِ مَحمودَ المَعاني

So if time betrays you, then be patient,

So if the days betray you, hold fast to patience,

And be with God of praised qualities.

And through God, remain praiseworthy in your character.

وَلا تَكُ ساكِناً في دارِ ذُلٍّ

فَإِنَّ الذُلَّ يُقرَنُ بِالهَوانِ

Do not stay long in an abode of disgrace,

And do not dwell in an abode of humiliation,

For disgrace is coupled with dishonor.

For humiliation is yoked to disgrace.

وِإِن أَولاكَ ذو كَرَمً جَميلاً

فَكُن بِالشُكرِ مُنطَلِقَ اللِسانِ

And if a generous one gives you kindness,

And if a generous soul bestows a favor upon you,

Then with gratitude let your tongue speak.

Then let your tongue be eloquent in gratitude.