Sol 6.1

  1. O rulers of the nation's affairs today,

    and most faithful companions among its free men!

  2. Are ranks of glory what you have won, or

    are they a lover's pledge to his loved ones,

  3. and a sign of approval and Time's endorsement

    of the means you possess?

  4. You have already won a reward before the reckoning,

    and much more after the reckoning.

  5. Only the successful reformer is most deserving

    of lofty names and titles.

  6. Nor can vast authority spare

    its holders the need for hearts and open courtyards.

  7. And soldiers' equipment cannot safeguard

    the state without the armament of minds.

  8. And whoever seeks progress through consultation

    must meet the requirement of sound judgment.

  9. Every individual has a share; and where is

    justice among partisans and parties?

  10. Where among them is the virtue of generous selflessness,

    and the healing of the ailing through strength of nerve,

  11. and a young man's acknowledgment of his brother's right,

    and acceptance of judgment between the angry?

  12. How could I not fear an election, when

    every election has been the country's path?

  13. They filled their home with their own warfare

    among themselves, after a truce with the conqueror.

  14. And they became enemies as though they were safe from him,

    while he lay in wait at the gates.

  15. If only this conflict turned into reproach,

    so I might see reconciliation after this reproach.

  16. And healing hearts of these grudges

    is worthier than freeing those necks.

  17. And the weapon of proof is more fitting for the free man

    in disputes than the weapon of insults.

  18. And sweet drink is forbidden when

    people's blood flows around this drink.

  19. And part of prudence in politics is what they have cast

    of its burden upon the students.

  20. And youth's reward is for the gray-haired to be able

    to do what the army of youth desired.

  21. O my people! Where is my people's recognition

    of my call among them and the purity of my writing?

  22. They ignored me, so I did not know whether

    I was among those present with them or among the absent.

  23. And they prolonged my soul's torment among them,

    and the torment of souls is the worst torment.

  24. And he deserted me—the man indebted to my writings

    for his lineage and ancestral honors.

  25. And he feared being accused of favoritism—but is one who

    does justice to a benefactor with a rightful claim showing favoritism?

  26. Neither for myself nor for my family do I hope

    to gain wealth from spoils.

  27. Never did I accept the station of slaves,

    nor did I attain the place of masters.

  28. If I had exchanged men for wolves,

    I would have found loyalty among wolves.

  29. And had they cooperated and urged one another

    to heed my admonitions, that would have been my reward.

Sol 6.1