حسدوا الفتى إذ لم ينالوا سعيه — أبو الأسود الدؤلي

They envied the youth because they could not match his striving;

So the people are his enemies and adversaries.

Like a beauty's co-wives, who said of her face,

Out of envy and malice, “It is indeed ugly!”

Yet her face shines in the darkness as though it were

A radiant full moon, while the women are stars.

And you see the discerning man envied, though he has never

Insulted men, while his honor is reviled.

Likewise, whoever receives a mighty blessing—

His enviers are a keen-edged sword against him.

So abandon debate with the fool, for it brings

Regret, followed by a grievous aftermath.

And if you run with the fool as he runs,

Then both of you are blamed for running his course.

And if you reproach the fool and blame him

For the very things you do, then you are deeply unjust.

Do not forbid a practice while doing the same;

A great disgrace upon you, if you do so.

Begin with your own soul, and restrain it from its waywardness;

Then, when it abandons that error, you are wise.

Then your admonition is accepted, and guidance is taken

From your knowledge, and teaching proves useful.

Woe to the carefree from the sorrowful, for the latter is

Weary at heart, burdened by his sorrow.

And you see the carefree, glad-eyed and amusing himself,

While gloom and cares weigh upon the sorrowful.

And you say, “Why do you not say what I say?”

Yet this one's tongue is free, and that one's is stifled.

Do not unjustly wound your cousin's honor;

For if you do, it is your own honor that is wounded.

And what he holds sacred is sacred to you too; protect it,

Lest anything sacred to him be sold in your presence.

And if, in revenge, you inflict a wound on your cousin,

Then his wounds are wounds to you, if you have sense.

And if you ask a noble man for a favor,

Then meeting him and offering a greeting are enough.

Then, when he sees you greeting him, he remembers what

You spoke to him about, as though bound by an obligation.

And he sees that the effects of praise and blame for that deed

Remain with a man even when his bones have crumbled.

So place hope in the noble man, even if you see his coldness,

For reproach from him and from the noble is noble.

If you are in dire need; otherwise, make yourself

A tunnel, as though you were frightened and defeated.

And leave him, and beware of passing his door

Ever; if you do so, your honor is safe.

For the people have all become beasts,

And among the beasts are a leader and a chief.

Blind and mute—no benefit can be hoped from them;

And their chief is blameworthy in calamities.

And if you ask a base man for a favor,

Then insist gently, keeping at it.

And settle opposite his house and courtyard,

With the utmost tenacity of a creditor clinging to a debtor.

And I marveled at the world and its people's craving,

Though sustenance is apportioned among them.

And the fool who is provided for is the most astonishing person I see

Among its people, and so is the wise man left deprived.

Then my wonder ceased, for I knew that it was

Provision that will arrive, its time known.