1. I was informed that some men feared
My insults, yet I do not insult people
١. نُبِّئتُ أَنَّ رِجالاً خافَ بَعضُهُمُ
شَتمي وَما كُنتُ لِلأَقوامِ شَتّاما
2. If they are innocent, do not blame them
I have no complaint against them, nor do I hear their blame
٢. فَإِن يَكونوا بَراءً لا تُطِف بِهِم
مِنّي شَكاةٌ وَلا أَسمِعهُمُ ذاما
3. And if they speak, I say little in response
That remains, concerning papers and pens
٣. وَإِن يَحينوا أَقُل قَولاً لَهُ أَثَرٌ
باقٍ يُعَنّي قَراطيساً وَأَقلاما