1. When the assembly of plentiful brings together a people,
They are among mankind like unmatched pearls,

2. They converse effortlessly with the utmost piety,
Matching each point with care and gentility,

3. To me that is better than a book
That tells of events now past and no longer new,

4. For a book, though of value, lags behind
Prattle scattered without purpose or tradition,

5. As for a gathering of jesters, leave it be
And dwell in distant solitude instead,

6. Just so, a gathering that slanders
Has an odor like that of carrion rotting,

7. Sleep is better for a man than sitting
Cursing Amr or Zayd for no reason.