وما الدهر إلا دولتان فدولةٌ

وما الدهر إلا دولتان فدولةٌ

عليك وأخرى نلت منها الأمانيا

عليك وأخرى نلت منها الأمانيا

And time is but two turns of fortune: one

Time is but two conditions that keep alternating,

against you, and another through which you attained your wishes.

One against you and one in which you fulfill desires,

فلا تك من ريب الحوادث آمناً

فلا تك من ريب الحوادث آمناً

فكم آمنٍ للدهر لاقى الدواهيا

فكم آمنٍ للدهر لاقى الدواهيا

So do not feel secure against the vicissitudes of events,

So do not feel safe from the vicissitudes of time,

for many a person who trusted time has met calamities.

For how often has a secure one been struck by misfortune!