1. The cups of destiny have only triumphed
The day they attained their goal in Tenuf

2. The day she said to fate: take all I own
The day she chose only the noblest men

3. Who protected glorious honour and might
For it is beyond you to protect the weak

4. One man of worth is better than thousands
So take the one and dispense with the hordes

5. The hills of glory rose up
As their moons eclipsed in sorrow

6. The day fate watered the souls of my people
Under the shade of swords drawn ready

7. How bold is death that it did not cower
Fearful or afraid before their might

8. To lose them wrecked a pillar of glory
Once stubborn and strong through the years

9. To lose them left what their hills of generosity had tamed
Barren and desolate, nothing alive

10. To lose them left what the winds of virtue had touched
Only sorrow remains, a faithful friend

11. To lose them left after gentleness
Life harsh and violent for other men

12. In that meadow were clubs of war
Where swords cut down other swords

13. The men of Kelb blindly hacked about
With foolish hands and clumsy blades

14. Death was judge, drawing into the company of chiefs
A dear companion, cherished and loved

15. What a river of blood it was
Where ranks were flooded by ranks

16. Destiny hung over them, eclipsing
The eclipse, rending shields

17. You would see souls ripped out
And death standing over them

18. From that place of blood sprang a spring
From that strike of swords came a summer

19. Until the darkness lifted from the ground
And the land again shone, shadows dispelled

20. Fate left the heights of glory
After elder Nasr had reaped his harvest

21. O Suweyd son of Serah, prepare
For a blow to uproot your perversity

22. Victory sufficed you one day
Leaving your opponent severed and torn

23. And Son of Minhal, Sa'eed will be watered
With the white swords' poison, death distributed

24. As he stretched out his hands to seize
The sword of the two elders, polished and keen

25. If my forefathers deserted
They left behind them noble men, virtuous deeds

26. We will band together against adversity
Till all men acknowledge their excellence above others

27. Tears gathered in every eye
That saw the vultures circle above them

28. Why shouldn't we grieve for a battle
Where crowds clash with other crowds

29. Why shouldn't we grieve for a time
When calamity binds all corners fast

30. Why shouldn't we grieve for disasters
That melt the liver and rot the flesh

31. Why shouldn't we grieve when fear
Drives the sheltered refugee distracted

32. How could the earth contain them
Gently in her dark, soft soil

33. When they were peaks of glory
And seas, open and wild

34. Tell them I scorn
The injuries done me, intended to wound

35. The foe's teeth have often bitten me
In rancour or justice, bending and twisting

36. He is the pole of Kelb, so let him turn
However he wants, to do right or wrong

37. Don't you know, Rashid, that one of heart
Does not act rashly or blindly charge forth

38. So too the falcon, if he soars high
Will not plummet unless he is spent

39. Aim well and do not shoot
Until you know your purpose, lest you miss

40. If a day dawns cursed with misfortune
Good fortune may yet follow after

41. Or if the sting of fate persists
Hope remains it may gently lift away

42. Do not rejoice, for many winds have stilled
And the soft breeze ceased its blowing

43. The day of Rawda was not forever
For days come in succession, circling

44. Brace yourself and gather for a day
That will leave shameful dishonor behind, lightened

45. While I sit and hearts blaze
Take up your sword, do not waver

46. The hesitant man does not escape
Or draw near what he craves