1. When time's adversity was at its worst
And no hope remained in any branch
١. إِذا كانَ أَردى الزَمان بِمِثلِهِ
وَلَم يَبقَ في عودٍ لَهُ طَمَعٌ بَعدُ
2. No she-camel was cut off or perished
No lion roared or horse neighed
٢. فَلا بُتِرَت بُتُر وَلا فنِيَت قَنا
وَلا زَأرت أَسُدٌ وَلا صَهلَت جردُ
3. Nor ceased being maltreated by the chief of a tribe
Nor being cursed upon a despotic king
٣. وَلا زالَ ملذوعاً عَلى سَيِّد حشا
ولا انفكّ مَلطوماً عَلى مِلكٍ خَدُّ