kaana fii an-nahri qidraani qidrun mina aṭ-ṭiini waqidrun mina an-nuḥaasiIn the river there were two pots: one of clay and one of copper.
qaala qidru an-nuḥaasi liqidri aṭ-ṭiini iqtarib minnii li’aḥmiyakaThe copper pot said to the clay pot, "Come close to me so that I can protect you."
qaala qidru aṭ-ṭiini shukran walaakinnii akhaafu minka akthara mina an-nahriThe clay pot said, "Thank you, but I am more afraid of you than of the river."
idhaa ḍarabatnaa al-miyaahu ḍarabtanii anta faankasartu"If the waters strike us, you will strike me and I will break."
al-qawiyyu qad yu’dhii aḍ-ḍaʿiifa wahuwa yuriidu ḥimaayatahuThe strong may hurt the weak even while wanting to protect him.
ikhtar aṣdiqaa’aka min amthaalikaChoose your friends from among your equals.