1. She said, "You are imprisoned," and I said, "It's no misfortune -
My imprisonment, for what brave man does not sheathe his sword?"

2. Have you not seen the lion grow accustomed to his lair
Out of pride? Yet the rabble of beasts comes and goes.

3. If the sun were not veiled from your eyes,
It would not shine on the horizon.

4. The moon is overtaken by clouds, yet clears
Its days as if made new again.

5. The rain is confined by the clouds, unseen
Until its drizzle flows and thunders.

6. And fire lies hidden in stones -
It is not lit unless flint strikes it.

7. The lively mare is not steadied but by
The bridle, and a briskness that kindles in her.

8. Except the darkening nights, all is fickle -
Wealth borrowed, spent, and gone.

9. Every state has a successor, and sometimes
The hated makes clear the praiseworthy.

10. Let no misfortune make you despair
Of relief from the most pressing sorrows.

11. Many a sick man, though undone by ills,
Recovered, while his doctor died.

12. Have patience, for patience brings comfort,
And the Caliph's hand is not beyond reach.

13. Imprisonment is no mean dwelling
If no base warden degrades it.

14. A home renewing honor for the noble,
Where he is visited, not visiting.

15. If prison had no more effect than
To spare you abasement by the lowliest guards...

16. O Ahmed son of Abi Du'ad, you
Are called on for every lofty deed.

17. Convey to the Commander of the Faithful -
Beware plunged strife and unending fears -

18. You are the kin of the Prophet Muhammad,
Closer to what Muhammad decreed.

19. Whatever good there is, you are its people -
Your roots are blessed, and blessed the faithful's way.

20. Is it of the rightly-guided, O kinsman of Muhammad,
To make one opponent near, another far?

21. Those who unjustly intrigued against you
Are enemies of the blessing you embody.

22. They bore witness while we were absent -
Then judged us though the absent witness naught.

23. If both opponents could but meet you one day,
The right path would be clear.

24. If I outlive this era, and one day
Have status with the Caliphate...

25. If my opponent disputes and I make my case,
I will win with my proofs, and the distant fail.

26. God accomplishes His command among His creatures,
And to Him we go tomorrow, our haven.

27. If I pass before then, scarcely will remain
Those who envied me - we will meet again!

28. By what crime have our honors become
Prey for the vilest rogue?