1. I saw the sons of Imru' al-Qais clap at us,
And say, "We are more numerous!"

2. Sulaym ibn Mansur and the troops of 'Amir,
And Sa'd ibn Bakr and al-Nusur and A'sur!

3. "Take your share, O sons of 'Ikrimah, and remember
Our ties of kinship - though absent, kinship endures."

4. Take your share of our affection - our kinship,
When war bares its fangs, is a raging fire!

5. And we and you, for what we demand of you,
Are alike - or you are more in need of peace!

6. When we hear a warrior cry out in anger,
At his voice the animals' skins quiver in terror.

7. And if the commoners hold back in fear
We openly cry, "Woe to you! Do not take fright!"

8. "Against your envoys we will take the offensive,
Holding back your spears, or we will make excuse."

9. Otherwise, by the covenant! We will hamstring
The mothers of foals at first light and ride out!