1. Every inflated ego
Of an impudent upstart

2. Is clothed in the rags
Of a tattered spider’s web

3. They strut with the gait
Of knights in a chess game

4. Behind decrepit old men
They fling arrows that miss

5. Not even the bowman’s aim
They imitate Mecca, that House

6. Of sublime and lofty pillars
Verily, the vain man aspires

7. In foolish pride, to rise high
A man of letters, grounded

8. In diverse fields of knowledge
His wit mocks even

9. The great Abu Al Ala Al-Ma’arri
Still, in religion, he remains

10. Like the Sheikh, sheikh of sheikhs
He scorns people of hypocrisy

11. Who cower like frightened partridges
O my master, my helper

12. And defender and outlet
O you whose eloquence flows

13. Not halted, but streaming
Who disputes you will suffer

14. A slap of stern rebuke
Until both his cheeks blush

15. Yellow as saffron dye
Never, never - no rival of yours

16. Is sheltered like an ostrich chick
In people today there is no

17. Sincere counselor to guide
So the sincere man dwells

18. In Mars and Sagittarius
None in your time but

19. The flabby and the flaccid
Mere shadows of men

20. Like effaced sculptures
None with honorable character

21. Free of the taint of disgrace
The people are but a herd

22. Of she-camels kneeling to rest
Never has an hour passed

23. Without their wretched squeals
My lord, spare me roasting

24. In sizzling pots
And flesh of whales

25. Not salted for preservation
No free man has ever fled

26. The brand of humiliation
Nor did the glutton find sweet