1. Faults of Ibn Malik have wearied me
Of blaming him or railing bitterly.

2. Nay, some have charged that he, a neighbor, dared
To flirt with women who collect the tax;

3. He seeks from them but what a rooster takes
From hens—just eggs, and nothing else in fact.

4. Below his robes a spear concealed does rest
Well skilled to thrust in any fierce attack.

5. And cures for him the healer Yahya sought
To heal and help what maladies he lacked,

6. Since, so they say, from wetness he does suffer,
While his friend is quite blessed with moist in tact.

7. So in the end our wise philosopher
By valid logic his good name extracted.

8. Then spread no tales of him through east and west
For no newcomer leaves a hero sacked.