1. I walked the wilds in the vigor of youth,
Until old age overtook me with its gray.

2. So gape not your mouths, for I'm rough
To the throat and molars, no more a darling.

3. By my life! Not in secret did I revile you
If I reviled you, nor walked for you with coyness.

4. Neither do I like you with clinging affection,
Nor do I dislike you with awesome gravity.

5. You have filled to the full the hard riding of Mus'ab,
Supple of frame when not riding a mount.

6. And you endured a west that stretches its leading rope
Like the Euphrates' west, swirling in south wind.