1. Did not the angels of the Holy Places know
That every daring adventurer aspires for glory?

2. The holder of the caliphate was not warned
That he went gladly, having decided, not seeking counsel,

3. And spent the night anxious, as though
He were fat sizzling on glowing embers,

4. He had his own views, then was obstinate, obeying
No advice, nor hearing any warning speech,

5. Neither did his ambition and resolution
Nor the threats of enemies or protests of fate stop him.

6. He saw everyone in the world deceived by gain
So the acquiring of loftiness and glorious deeds deceived me.

7. I looked and did not see, so remote was the range,
Like your racing the steeds that bear you headlong.

8. And nothing resembles an aim that you approve
That the fickle people do not also approve.

9. When he was anxious, resolution was an easier task,
Excelling the enemy's plots, however stubborn.

10. To war his enthused spirit urged him
When his colleagues weakened, he lost no fervor.

11. He advanced, his trickery boiling up against his rivals -
But the impetuous, unless wary, have no merit.

12. He was earnest until a man's shadow parts from him
And all who look on fall short.

13. So, unlike you circumspect watchers,
None deterred you from blows or fierce slashing.