1. The son of Masma' gave his guest water from Al-Qirah,
While his neighbor was a scoundrel fawning over him.

2. When the guest saw he had no host to match Al-Qirah,
He turned away fleeing, full of excuses.

3. He cries out loudly to Bakr bin Wá'il:
Beware, all who hope for your hospitality are misled!

4. Your chief shunned the guests, what's wrong with you?
Rabi'ah spent the night with your guest wandering.

5. You feared hosting guests, yet you used to
Revive the destitute wanderer in days past.

6. What's wrong with you, by God you were stingy
And remiss while the guest is hosted and housed?

7. He is honored until he says, when taking his leave,
“Farewell,” thereby enhancing his farewell.

8. Hold off, O Bakr! Let the family of Masma' be,
Their view cannot outrun the trained horses.

9. Shield your guests, tend to them, that is best.
Do not be fools like one who speaks proverbs.

10. When travelers meet, they talk
Of the family of Masma’ to protect themselves and grow heavy.

11. Do not go near their homes, their neighbor
And guest are equally miserable, I beseech you!

12. They are folk who denied their guest hospitality,
Among them only the meanest miser.

13. Had my mounts descended among Shayban's sons,
Their hospitality would now be assured as I alight.

14. They are more deserving of all magnanimity,
And more worthy one day to give comfort and excel.

15. May God not let the family of Masma’’s home endure
Or their valley remain with water to drain!

16. You did not deter the heroes with white banners and spears
When the fires of war began to consume.