He passeth ’mongst the folk and fain would hide his head; And when alone, he weeps with tears that never stay.
Absent, none taketh heed to him or his concerns; Present, he hath no part in life or pleasance aye.
By Allah, whenas men with poverty are cursed, But strangers midst their kin and countrymen are they!
And the saying of another:—
The poor man fares by everything opposed: ✿ On him to shut the door Earth ne’er shall fail:
Thou seest men abhor him sans a sin, ✿ And foes he finds tho’ none the cause can tell:
The very dogs, when sighting wealthy man, ✿ Fawn at his feet and wag the flattering tail;
Yet, an some day a pauper loon they sight, ✿ All at him bark and, gnashing fangs, assail.
And how well quoth a third:—
If generous youth be blessed with luck and wealth, ✿ Displeasures fly his path and perils fleet: