1. I have cut through every desolate wilderness,
And crossed with my tribe every barren plain.

2. My sword has tasted the blood of heads and arms,
And my spear has rent the breasts and ribs of foes.

3. After resolving, I guided my steed by my will,
And turned from the counsels that assailed my ears.

4. I feared not to undertake any dangerous act,
Nor did my soul covet any but its own wish.

5. I left Egypt when violence filled its eye,
Fearing my journey would begin with tears.

6. Does not the effeminate being understand my words?
That I part with a farewell from a wrung heart,

7. And incline only to one who loves me,
And no home delights me save an abode of freedom.

8. O you who binds me with a pact
To fear a verse that shakes my heart!

9. You judged in the ignorance that holds you back,
That I still stand on a shore of lies,

10. That I dwell with a mutilated slave, a hypocrite,
Vile in acts, though posing as virtuous and liberal.

11. While I leave the sword of state and the pleasing king,
Most generous, of noblest line, and noblest descent,

12. A sea whose water is sweet, and whose wealth is plenty,
The best pasture, the most excellent dwelling.

13. If you come to him in time of need, you will shade yourself
In the best refuge, nay, the most noble place.