1. يا اِبنَ روحي فَدَتكَ روحي مِنَ الأَس

    واءِ إِنّي بِكَ الغَداةَ عَميدُ

    O son of my soul, may my soul ransom you from misfortunes;

    indeed, this morning I am lovesick for you.

  2. قَد أَتانا المَمقورُ لا زِلتَ كَالمم

    قورِ في خَلِّهِ وَفي الخَلِّ دودُ

    The pickled fish has reached us—may you ever remain like the pickled fish

    in its vinegar—and in the vinegar are worms.

  3. عَمِلَتهُ العَجوزُ حَتّى إِذا ما

    جادَ جادَت بِهِ عَلى مَن تُريدُ

    The old woman prepared it, and when at last

    it turned out well, she bestowed it on whomever she wished.

  4. زَوجُهُ طالِقٌ وَبِنتٌ شَرودٌ

    وَأُمورٌ مِنها يَشيبُ الوَليدُ

    His wife is divorced, and a daughter runs wild,

    and troubles that turn an infant gray.