1. Who will inform Ziyad when at dawn
The horses of Bani Kilab return

2. With blood dripping from their bits
After the battle at Al-Qa'a?

3. For we govern every day
With wisdom clarifying the right way.

4. I will rule without bias or ignorance
If an answer is asked for in governance,

5. The rule of one cautious, no fault in it,
Even if the people are roused by speech.

6. Patience restrains the impetuous steed
While foolishness is urged on by youth.

7. Ignorance comes not from age but
From spurring speech without curb.

8. The envoys advised in vain the hostile clan,
Who returned no answer to their words

9. Until patience left and the veil was torn
And my speech made known what you have heard.

10. My horses are free to graze the meadows
When the cowardly birds take wing in dread,

11. As they race to a hostile people's plain
And leave them vanquished, ruined and dead.