1. The summer heat and winter's cold alike
Have driven all people from Suleima's ruins.

2. After the tents were struck, only the wild beasts
Remained behind, there where the flocks were folded.

3. My heart, O Umm Khishf, when I see
Among the scrolls of scholars bright,

4. Your grazing beasts each autumn take delight
In meadows - and they graze each Sha'ban too.

5. We warned the tribe of Ka'b; and the best of them
Swerved from their course, for good deeds they were known.

6. Yet some men borrowed camels without our consent -
So suffer them: baldness disfigures their heads.

7. With cheeks like Maymoun's, and a brand like Saheeq's
Choose whichever sign you wish by which to know them.

8. We are a people whose nature is like a Nab'ah tree's;
None can bend us, though skilled at timber work.

9. Our glory is Ukarh, Hawm, and noble 'Arnadas;
We march or halt at will, with none to hinder.

10. We have white she-camels, daughters of a Mahri sire;
Their females are gentler than drops of rain.

11. Shahba, who makes the arrows miss as though
They slipped from a quiver with its straps unfastened;

12. We have a Kulkal, who tires every foe
And renders vain their blows with might and pride;

13. And a Jurth kept for its valor's sake, that goes
To meet the stallions, yearning for their scent;

14. We removed their nose-rings after Sawayqah
Until their mouths could scarcely grasp the grass;

15. They were called at dawn with weeping, and set loose,
While the tents were folded, hastening to their call;

16. Around each pasturing camel they roam,
Challenging the Persian' bridle with their pace;

17. With the twisted girth-strap of a worn-out saddle
Clinging to their sides where the skin hangs slack.

18. Their clanking fetters as the iron rings are loosed
Are scattered by the silent, gathering gloom.

19. From dawn until nightfall they are let loose,
While half the day is gone and half remains.

20. We have seen by the patches on the coats of mail
Death always near, though clad in various garb.

21. And a people with the spears of Rudainah
Whose streets grow calm after shedding blood,

22. With a host the jinn saw and shuddered,
While the paling sun at the eclipse grew dark.

23. A tribe whose glory time cannot destroy,
Bringing low the vanquished and humbling the proud;

24. Ka'b's hounds insult us and kill their own kind,
Yet the meanest dog is better than their best.

25. They leave their dead for us to recognize
While their wounds allow the blood to flow afresh.

26. Worthless tribes have contested with us the right
To guardianship, overflowing with folly.

27. We slew Humaym son of Ja'far
As he rode surrounded by a group of his clan.

28. We gathered Abu Adad who gathered his kin
With a single thrust, leaving the rest distraught.

29. We stabbed Hubaysh with one stroke after which
Hubaysh still swayed helplessly from side to side.

30. So whenever war bites deep from us
It will bite on bones that quickly mend.

31. We have a straggling herd that saves the fugitive
If they take pity on him or he persists.

32. And we had a position of honor with kings -
Established of old, and still unchanged.

33. No tribe has ever split us, though we split
Whom we desire, without the least fatigue.

34. Kulayb summoned me to his abode in Medina
While the open spaces of Qays stand witness.

35. So my reply was that his brother you wronged
Openly, and my fangs in war are bared.

36. And Kulayb said: “Go dye my beard for me;
Would I were at Marwan's court this morning!"

37. But when he came to the gate his mother resembled him
And said: “Back, you disgraced one full of shame!"

38. For if the dwellings of Qays in Bu'ran can grant
Succour, the 'Udran have boldness in striking.

39. I paid Ibn Arwa in Medina his due;
And said to those who sought gifts in Medina: “Begone!"

40. Soon our sandals shall tread your courts
In diverse layers of fancy stitching.

41. Fine steeds we lend to neighbors for free,
Though some are lean and some too short of leg.

42. Through the tribe's homes are smooth-cheeked youths
With lance or flashing blade held close at hand.

43. When the birds flock home in the evening gloom
Our homes resound with their cries and flap of wings.

44. We are three brothers born of a single mother,
Who attend the kings' courts and there are known -

45. Sons of your mother; if you know the truth, know them!
Support them always and do not abandon them!

46. I know of no elder of a mother sevenfold
Who rivals us, if men have gone too far.