الصَمتُ أَولى وَما رِجلٌ مُمَنَّعَةٌ

إِلّا لَها بِصُروفِ الدَهرِ تَعثيرُ

Silence is best, for no feet are prevented

From stumbling at the turns of fate,

وَالنَقلُ غَيَّرَ أَنباءً سَمِعتَ بِها

وَآفَةُ القَولِ تَقليلٌ وَتَكثيرُ

And retelling has altered tidings you heard;

The plague of speech is suppression and inflation.

وَالعَقلُ زينٌ وَلَكِن فَوقَهُ قَدَرٌ

فَما لَهُ في اِبتِغاءِ الرِزقِ تَأثيرُ

Reason is an ornament, but above it is destiny.

It has no influence in seeking sustenance.