48 – Maḥmūd b. al-Ḥasan recited to me:
[Metre: al-Baḥr al-Kāmil]

O ageing man who still beguiles his soul
Though hoary locks have wrapped you head to heel;
Know that you are slumbering on your bed,
And yet, despite your sleep, you are in flight.
Night folds the road, unwearied in its pace;
Day, with you, strikes each halting-place in turn.
Both take their turns to bear you toward decay—
They never tire, while you remain unware.