1. Sleep was driven away from me by cares after cares,
And from cares come tribulation and sickness.

2. After my companions fell asleep, and my night was sleepless,
Ṭalḥah came knocking at my tent flap.

3. When she came knocking, we said "Welcome to the guest,
Although the time is unseemly."

4. When she sat down, she gave the example,
Stated by the eloquent without error,

5. An example given by our rulers -
That in his home, the judge is sought.

6. Her words gave the right answer:
"He who can give is praised, he who is miserly is blamed."

7. Verily Khālid was generous at his peak
After the greatest calamity befell him.

8. From the deaths that vie with one another to take him -
They hasten to pick his flesh and blood.

9. Early rising, with a bright forehead,
His company is good, without dullness.

10. He makes wealth flowing gifts,
For spending wealth to protect honor is integrity.

11. The noble soul does not care for it -
Loss of wealth, so long as honor is safe.

12. Do not say, if you do not intend
To fulfill the promise, "yes" in anything.

13. Better is the word "yes" after "no"
Than the word "no' after "yes."

14. Verily, "no" after "yes" is an outrage,
So begin with "no" if you fear regret.

15. And if you say "yes," then be patient with it
By fulfilling your promise - for breaking faith is blame.

16. And know that blame is a flaw in the youth.
Whoever does not avoid blame will be blamed.

17. Honor your neighbor and tend to his rights,
For a youth's recognizing rights is nobility.

18. My abode is one of Ma'add in the dwellings,
And to me belong the robe and the noble spear.

19. You will not see me sitting fourth in a gathering
Among the flesh of the people, like a ravening lion.

20. Verily, the worst of people is he who grins at me
When he meets me, and speaks ill when I am absent.

21. With evil words my ears have become burdened
And there is no deafness in me.

22. So I was patient, fearing that an ignorant man might see
That I am as he claimed.

23. Yet forgiveness and turning away from
The owner of malice is more lasting, even if he is unjust.

24. I make wealth a shield for my honor,
For the best wealth is that which removes debts.