In wealth and joy are many friends,
In grief and trouble where are they?
Spring nor autumn last for ever.
Mark well Destiny's previous course!
Heard my prayers and freed my troubles,
Heaven fresh ones brings on me.
Trust thou not in this world's friendship,
Time will change the choicest friends into enemies.
Those whom I scarce looked at, so high my rank,
Now from them insulting speeches I hear.
He who has been fed on sugar and honey,
To his taste the Ber will never equal the Date in sweetness.
Never will he attain to the dignity of the royal turban,
However much a man place ruby-studded slippers on his feet.
While I live, O! teach me to forget it,
In the grave I will think over thy treatment.