1. He destroyed the dam, though it was not damaged
How can a deceitful old man become treacherous?

2. The kingdom is just a she-camel, and he is her calf
If they do not hurry, destiny will catch up with him

3. A cooking pot boiling over with betrayal
A fire fueled by evil burns underneath it

4. Misfortune appears everywhere
News that scrutiny cannot diminish

5. The messenger of misfortune bows his head
Fearing his misfortune and dreading calamity

6. If only good fortune reached the houses
They would be quickly engulfed and concealed

7. Or if the seas came to bring water
They would dry up whenever the seas arrived

8. It is not clothes that are ruined if they are worn
It is the blame and shame in the clothes

9. If a letter tied to misfortune travels
Deeds and journeys will be cursed by it

10. It came on an auspicious day to the prince
So the infidels violated his harem

11. Then in Kairouan he returned
And misfortune accompanied him, forcing him to flee

12. Matters grew too tight for the ruler
The good fortune of his dynasty failed

13. He abandoned it, so he was granted victory
And news of it flew after him

14. By the majesty of God! If he had stayed
No house would have prospered with good

15. God has decreed that the rain clouds are dry
Such is the decree, it cannot be chosen