1. My people have kept my poetry pure from blame
And reproached my tribe and the sons of Abu
١. لَقَد نَزَّهَت قَدري عَنِ الشِعرِ أُمَّةٌ
وَلامَ عَلَيهِ مَعشَري وَبَنو أَبي
2. They knew not that I protected his reputation
From dishonor, I did not go the way of others
٢. وَما عَلِموا أَنّي حَمَيتُ ذِمارَهُ
عَنِ العارِ لَم أَذهَب بِهِ كُلَّ مَذهَبِ
3. My verse and its rhyme and meter did not displease
Lofty it was, though in battle I was ruthless
٣. وَما عابَني نَظمُ القَريضِ وَمَذهَبي
رَفيعٌ وَقَلبي في الوَغى غَيرُ قُلَّبِ
4. At times I say this with a spear in my hand
At times I say this, my sword ready to strike
٤. أَقولُ وَفي كَفّي يَراعٌ وَتارَةً
أَقولُ وَسَيفي في مَفارِقِ أَغلَبِ