1. ليس للشيخ سوى القو

    ت إذا ما جاء قوته

    The old man has nothing but sustenance,

    when his sustenance comes,

  2. ومكان يتأوا

    ه ويرضيه مبيته

    and a place he takes shelter

    in, and his lodging satisfies him.

  3. يتحارى الناس ألوا

    نا ويكفيه سكوته

    People seek out variety,

    while his silence suffices him.

  4. كل ما يلتذّه

    الشبان في العيش يفوتّه

    All that is relished

    by young men in life eludes him.

  5. والذي أحياه حتى

    بلغَ الشيبَ يميته

    And He who kept him alive until

    he grew gray will cause him to die.