1. Is it not just that you both should hear me?
So I complain to you of an overreaching blamer,

2. Who obeyed the water until he drew it up,
And the pasture enabled him until he grazed,

3. He came to you, so you sheltered him
With a spacious abode, and lent him an ear,

4. So he created whatever he wished with trickery,
Embellishing his making and claiming,

5. The makers of tongues are deceitful in mind,
Creating tears from his laughter,

6. Eager for evil, never turning
From his aim unless he finds no escape,

7. He goes along with gentleness until, when
He gets an opportunity, he lays down his burden,

8. And had it not been for the suspicions of backbiters,
He would not have desired speech or coveted,

9. And were it not for your safekeeping and restraint,
I would not have desisted from your pact a finger’s breadth,

10. But these are the incitements of slanderers
Who have struck a passion and led astray,

11. And my blame is not upon him who slandered,
Rather my blame is upon him who was aware,

12. Does it befit the pact to be violated
For a slanderer and the love to be cut off?

13. Far apart are what is between us in affection -
A friend who lost and a friend who kept watch,

14. And he who involved people in his affair,
Necessity led him to be deceived,

15. So take from me in your address
One who returns the stubborn will tame,

16. And were it not for your position in my regard,
I would not have said to the son of censure: Refrain!