1. Whenever I approach my people,
They keep away from me, and their estrangement is hard.

2. I grew weary of their reproaches so I forgave them,
And said perhaps their forbearance will return.

3. And perhaps God will enable me to give generously
To those from whom he turns away.

4. By what his hands have earned and what he has drawn upon us
Of rancor that does not fade away.

5. For if the docile censured me,
As well as Awf and hearts that have their fuel,

6. I always intend good,
And with God there is increase of bounty.

7. So their hearts have narrowed around me and constricted
Are throats that no vein feeds.

8. Whenever I keep away, their evil is near,
And whenever I draw near, their love is far.

9. I say to them, though they have become abusive of me,
Be refined, O Banu Awf, and augment good!

10. Censuring me profits not the living of Banu Awf,
Nor the like of me with his threats.

11. So neither I nor Awf knows,
Whether my rising or descending will benefit me.

12. Does the nobility of Banu Sulaim make me
Like a dog that neither barks nor hunts?

13. As though I never led noble stallions,
The like of which on earth are rare.

14. I spur them into the fray, plunging chargers,
As though the sands of their threshing are sedentary.

15. Upon them are the horsemen of Banu Sulaim
Heroes of help in battle and prey.

16. So I trample with their hooves those of Banu Sulaim whom you wish,
And those you do not wish.