1. I say to Zaid, restrain your horses by force
Else you have earned no praise nor favor

2. You will be given foul water if you stir foul water
You are not of me if you incline to the lowly

3. Did you not see me facing death with its shrouds
Putting forth a soul that did no evil in suspicion

4. Though we may give the secret what protection we choose
Misfortune refuses that we hide rancor

5. It is our right to be given the wherewithal in life
While every hand falls short of providing for us

6. The beams between our eyelids are motes
And the shadow of death's coming is our shelter

7. We are threatened by the sons of Qais and their threats
Though if we feared threats we would not bar the way

8. If they understood the discourse of our swords
Its import would teach them to strike out sparks

9. Is it not more fitting for them to hold back
After you roused us and kindled anger in our breasts?

10. You had quenched the fire of your hatred
If you rekindle its embers we will return

11. May Allah destroy him who inclines with sympathy
Toward the victim, even if the spearhead inclines in his side

12. They say safety lies in avoiding your turmoil
But may Allah disfigure the man who seeks safety

13. May Allah guard young men, nimble and rising to the sublime
Who when determined, execute without awaiting permission

14. When they mount, they rouse its wings as it stirs
And if they ride at dawn, they bring back the day made tender

15. They humble the days in defense of their passion
So they will not look upon any face but hers in its beauty

16. And their fancies have attained the secrets of hearts
As if they had permission for every limb