1. ما مِن صَديقٍ وَإِن تَمَّت مَوَدَّتُهُ

    يَوماً بِأَبلَغَ في الحاجاتِ مِن طَبَقِ

    No friend, however perfect his affection,

    Is ever more effective in meeting needs than a platter.

  2. إِذا تَعَمَّمَ بِالمِنديلِ مُنطَلِقاً

    لَم يَخشَ نَبوَةَ بَوّابٍ وَلا غَلَقِ

    When it sets out with a napkin for a turban,

    It fears neither a doorkeeper’s rebuff nor a lock.

  3. لا تُكذَبَنَّ فَإِنَّ الناسَ مُذ خُلِقوا

    عَن رَغبَةٍ يُعظِمونَ الناسَ أَو فَرقِ

    Do not be deceived: for people, ever since they were created,

    Have honored others out of desire or fear.

  4. أَمّا الفَعالَ فَفَوقَ النَجمِ مَطلَعُهُ

    وَالقَولُ يوجَدُ مَطروحاً عَلى الطُرُقِ

    As for deeds, their rising-place is above the stars,

    While words are found strewn along the roads.