Abu Al-Ala Al-Ma'arri, Birds Through A Ceiling Of Alabaster: Three Abbasid Poets Quotes
Hold tight to what is most yourself, Don't squander it, don't let your lifeBe governed by what disturbs you.
Good men's actions are naturalWhile a scoundrel's charityIs carefully planned to please.
Some people are like an open grave:You give it the thing you love mostAnd then get nothing in return.
You're given the fruit of one palm tree:Bear it a basin of clear water.Don't trouble with the plight of other palms.