1. Abu Layla has wronged me with deceit and slander,
Lying in wait to attack and injure me.

2. Whenever news arrives, he comes rushing to hear it,
Throwing himself upon the crowds and throngs of people.

3. He looks at me askance while the spear is aimed toward me,
Though I had excused him when dangers threatened clear.

4. Abu Layla frightens me, and all around me
Are his allies, armed for war and strife.

5. The tribe Wa'il will hurl against me accusations,
And you can thrust with your spears if you desire.

6. But I do not wish to satirize the clan of Qais,
With slander, nor rouse the sleeping Jinn.

7. I resist insulting them though anger fills me,
Curbing the bitter words that would attack my tongue.

8. Like dung-beetles who seek only filth,
They bed on the mattress of an adulterer.

9. No mother raised them, dressing them
In robes of honor and virtue.

10. Their faces are like the bearded muzzle of a hyena
Baring its teeth with a snarl.

11. If I unleashed my invective against you
I would not compliment you, not in the least!

12. So do not threaten me, descendants of the reddish camel,
When the sheep are scattered on the smoking plain.

13. For you will not find among them armies
To defend you or fortresses to hide within.

14. You pass your nights mounted on plodding she-camels,
Worthless hacks, mangy and thin.

15. Withered are the date-palms around your homes
When no flames can make the fruit ripen.

16. Nor will you ever be left alone by the sneering hag
Who makes her home in the nearest hovel.

17. Closing her eyelids with disdain are those
Of the despicable neighborhood where you dwell.

18. A tribe who sees treachery as glory,
Not knowing the finality the shroud will bring.