1. A group was emboldened in my absence, though they lacked
The knowledge and refinement I had attained.

2. They claimed, "A corrupter! A vicious killer unleashed
To vices, tempted by the grape's daughter."

3. If their claim were true - though it's all slander -
How could I have composed the books I wrote?

4. Seventy volumes like flowers of heaven appeared
Like meteors flashing, coming and going.

5. In every place a constellation in which I dwelt
And captivated people, Arab and non-Arab.

6. May God be gentle with our foes, though they
Lost themselves on the wastes of spite and lies.

7. They prattled on, prolonging their prattle,
While dogs barked wildly at other dogs.

8. If it's in their power to create enduring literature
For ages, eras and epochs,

9. Let them do as I did, composing verse
In robes of wonders forged from gold.