1. When the caravan camps in the belly of a valley,
Interpret omens and seek refuge from evil raiders.

2. For on the red plateau, if you are traveling,
A hyena lurks in the crevices of the high cliffs.

3. By day he greets the passersby on the road,
By night he hides in one of the mountain passes.

4. As if the remnants of his tattered shirt
On his back are folds of a bright cuirass.

5. He keeps his poison pouch hidden from his belt
When it coils as a full quiver of lethal venom.

6. When the guards saw him their hearts shuddered,
His eyes stealing glances at the radiant horizons.

7. And they were fooled by him though they mistrusted him,
Loathing his oaths and covenants.

8. Short of what they hoped to gain from his downfall
Was a alert youth with piercing eyes.

9. Enduring when malice delays its traps, bold
When faced with the truth in perils.