1. وإذا الظمآن لم يلق الروا

    من زلال البارد العذب الخصر

    And when the thirsty man finds no relief from thirst

    In clear, cool, sweet, cold water,

  2. ورأى الموت عيانا في الظما

    رشفَ الحمأة والماء الكدر

    And sees death before his eyes in his thirst,

    He sips black mud and murky water.

  3. ليس للمرء الذي يختاره

    وله من أمره ما قد قدر

    A man does not have what he chooses;

    And in his affairs he has only what has been decreed.