1. By my life! Though the Mazooni was a horseman,
Yet the spear met the Mazooni as a horseman.

2. I engaged him with sword and steed behind him,
So he anticipated me with a backhanded blow, perfidious.

3. I turned from him for fear of his cudgel returning,
And he turned as I had turned, fearing the daring one.

4. We both, the people say, are horsemen of his tribe.
I was patient and did not detain, nor was he detained.

5. So receive it from me, O son of Muhallab, a blow
With which I shattered your malignant adversary.

6. And I swear had I recognized you, not a mare
Would have survived you, or shone upon us the frowning one.

7. So you learned when you met me that my severity
Is feared, so ask about me the insightful men.

8. They will say without doubt Al-Mughira struck a blow
By which you were left wearing a bandage in the morning.

9. So I said, yes, when it is said who has presumed,
If he is audacious I do not avert my gaze downcast.

10. A gallant whose wont the length of time is the point of his lance,
If it be said, is there a horseman to charge forth?