1. I was told that Sulayman, the ruler of the age and the one
Whose birds would confide in him and he would confide in them

2. Once gave his nightingales a day of discipline
Out of respect he held for the owl he fostered

3. One day he longed to see them after many days passed
So they came, though the birds could hardly move their mouths

4. Illness had overcome them, leaving them with no power
To convey to Allah's prophet their complaints

5. Their master was angered by their sickness
And wished that slaughter would cure them

6. Then came the loyal hoopoe making excuses
To his master and their master, saying:

7. Allah's nightingales are not mute, nor were they born
Mute, but the ominous owl raised them