1. I think of Ali as one who is not impetuous,
Until the Book of God and the oaths are fulfilled,

2. Until you see the she-camel muzzled in its rope,
The muzzle of the tribes snarling in their encampment,

3. Angry, burning his lips with his ember,
As the palm tree covers the laden stalks with its coat,

4. Until the son of Harb is removed from his rule
As the he-goat of Al-Jaila turned away submissive,

5. Or you see him like an eagle roosting aloft
With the crows and vultures wheeling around him.