1. Many a dear friend passes my nights in blame,
Making me drink deep of his bitter cup.

2. He says "Why with no just cause did you defame
The wise Mowaffaq? Such fault is corrupt."

3. I said "Gently! He who blames the innocent
Himself loses his right to justice and fair trial."

4. I complained to him of the cruel, cold winter,
And that I could not rest for its bitter squalls.

5. But he was not kind, and said "'Tis but a spell
That will pass when you give up meat for your meals."

6. So I endured the winter as the gnat endures
The winter in the beard of Ibn Sima.