1. Thus the tyrant suffers, so unjust and rash,
And rides the back of darkness, lacking grace.

2. By evil counsel perishes the one of awful traits,
Yet for the virtuous, from sin protection comes.

3. Al-Zubayr lost all, though fortune was nigh,
Choosing the sword’s sharp edge, which slices and thrusts.

4. Thabit strove, reward for past deeds to gain,
From a gracious patron who gives and is kind.

5. “I come to you,” he said, “Messenger of God,
As advocate for a sheikh imploring aid.”

6. “He favored me when called on Resurrection Day
That hand I know as blessed for the sheikh it was.”

7. God’s Messenger granted it to me, for as you see,
I owe the sheikh, and wish to pay my debt.”

8. Then the advocate returned with the good news-
Reprieve and pardon! And the sheikh shook with joy.

9. In the generous patron hope he found anew,
And said, “A life whose pains are beyond words,

10. Without my people, death’s the only resort,
Of life I’ve had enough, it holds naught but fear.”

11. When the chance came, to Thabit he confessed,
“Without money we shall suffer and decay.”

12. God’s Messenger gave money out of mercy
And righteousness. And the sheikh in delight sang out,

13. Asking of Ka'b and the chieftains of his folk,
Exulting in their glory to excess.

14. He moaned when told they met their bitter end,
And said, “I wish for death, living brings but dread.”

15. “Take up the sword, O Ibn Qays, and strike them down,
My only friends are gone, none left behind.”

16. “Enough of sorrow, my friend, that homelands remain
Where once was love and friendship made life sweet.”

17. “Free me, free me, Ibn Qays, with one quick blow,
Let my soul rush out flowing and pulsing.”

18. “I have gained from the loss of loved ones agony untold,
Will you not aid this tortured, broken soul?”

19. “God forbid,” he replied, “I'll do no such thing,
One like me refuses what you propose.”

20. To Zubayr he took him in his misery,
Grief overwhelming him, the sheikh nearing death.

21. “Give him the draught against the fires of woe,”
And the noble elder fell, his light dimmed out.

22. What foolish, awful counsel you did share,
A hateful plot, so patent and corrupt!

23. Thabit fulfilled the honorable course, fair and true,
God's Messenger showed righteousness, though difficult.

24. Yet that wicked sheikh destroyed himself,
The ignorant cast out, rejected with scorn.