لامية الشنفرى

With a heart like the wolf’s, and resolve I act.

Pẹ̀lú ọkàn bíi ti ikòko, mo ṣe pẹ̀lú ìpinnu.

At times I lack, at times I am rich, yet

Nígbà míì mo ní àìní, nígbà míì mo ní ọlá, ṣùgbọ́n

Wealth is attained by the distant, humble one.

Ọlá ni ẹni tó jìnnà, ẹni aláìgbọ́n ara ń rí.

Not despairing from poverty revealed.

Kò sí ìbànújẹ nínú ìyà tí a fi hàn gbangba.

Nor boasting beneath wealth do I imagine.

Kò sí ìgbéraga lábẹ́ ọlá tí mo ń rò.

The ignorant do not dazzle my forbearance, nor am I seen

Àwọn òmùgọ̀ kò lè dá ìfarada mi lójú, kò sì rí mi

As one who begs at the tails of words, fumbling.

Bí ẹni tí ń bẹ̀bẹ̀ ní ìparí ọ̀rọ̀, tí ń ṣàṣìṣe.

And on a night of misfortune, its master kindles the bow.

Ní òru àìlera, olùní ọfà ń jókòó pẹ̀lú rẹ̀.

And I cut the arrows with which he prepares.

Mo sì gé àwọn ọfà tí ó fi ń mura.

I trampled upon darkness and confusion, and my companions

Mo tẹ̀ lé òkùnkùn àti ìdàrú, àwọn ọ̀rẹ́ mi sì