1. Our eyes are for God, though they are worn by love's ardour,
And tears flow copiously to bathe our eyelids.

2. They went northwards, leaving you, though you treated them kindly,
A few remained in al-Karkh, humbled and downcast.

3. A sweet wind summoned you in Darra,
While the harsh sands beyond it drowned the diver.

4. Woe for the wasp that saw a yellow flower
In the meadow, sighted by the hunter!

5. Remembering his home, he thought he saw wings for himself
In Shathniya that might save him from the falcon.

6. But when the winds grew fierce against his will
He saw that what was in his hands was no salvation.

7. The torrent seized the bend in the river as though it were
Shot between sycamores and sandbanks.

8. If you regret taking vengeance, through me
You can take vengeance on the whoreson of Muhallal.

9. When the adulterers stir the cauldrons of Muhallal
In them are the marks of adultery, steaming hot.

10. The daughters of Muhallal spew forth from the front,
While his sons penetrate them from behind.

11. They couple shamelessly, seeing the wind as their pander,
Using the dried-up camel-thorn as a dildo.

12. When they lose their penis they make excuses,
Swearing by their fingers - what shameless folk!

13. Good allies Muhallal chose for himself one day
When their defender gets his just deserts!

14. A people who can match the children of adultery,
Rivals achieving full vengeance.

15. Wasp, look and see if you have a lover left,
For Zigham has poured for you a brimful cup.

16. Satire went away with your honour darkened,
Only whitewash will restore it.

17. They chant its song on the tongues of the narrators,
While it remains firmly attached like a vermilion mark.