1. If with this poem you meant to praise me
You'd have praised my purpose with your reply

2. But you tried me with verse like a test
So back came the like, apeing your way

3. I clothed you in shabby verse's gown
That parodies Bishr ibn Burd's poetry

4. I'd meant to reward you with kindness
And tax myself to support you generously

5. But your poem waved at me with pride
And vanity from your versifying cheek

6. So I made this poem its reward
And said: may you be rewarded for ill with good!