وليس بكثرة الأولاد عز

وليس بكثرة الأولاد عز

And honor does not lie in having many children,

Not in multitudes of children is honor found,

But in a small number, well-mannered.

ولكن بالقليل مهذبينا

ولكن بالقليل مهذبينا

but in having a few who are well brought up.

Nor does their wealth avail their father,

Save that his offspring see no disgrace.

وليس ثراؤهم يجدى أباهم

وليس ثراؤهم يجدى أباهم

And their wealth does not benefit their father,

So many a wealthy father takes pride,

And so many a parent raises honored sons.

سوى أن لا يرى الخلف المهينا

سوى أن لا يرى الخلف المهينا

save that he does not see his offspring brought low.

فكم من والد أثرى ينوه

فكم من والد أثرى ينوه

For many a father has grown wealthy and is acclaimed,

وكم من والد عال البنينا

وكم من والد عال البنينا

and many a father has supported his sons.