ولم يتجهم لك النائبات

ولم تك منها اللياس الدثورا

The turn of fate did not frown at you,

Nor were you spoiled by luxury’s excess;

ولم تك شِهدارة الأبعدين

ولا زمَّح الأقربين الشريرا

You were no tale-bearer of distant men,

Nor did the wicked mock their neighbor near;

ولم تك لاجَير للأبعد

ين مُخة ساق تجيب الصفيرا

You were no refuge for unworthy men,

A broken reed that sighs when waters stir;

فموضوع جودك إن لم تنا

ج الأبهاء لهات الضميرا

Your bounty, if you fail to succor fools,

Has not fulfilled its purpose or its sphere.