1. Tell the Caliph, I will not
See you, though you plead and implore,

2. Who is there to be the father of poetry
When Abu Nuwas lies imprisoned?

3. You dismissed him, forgetting
His covenant with you and other men.

4. I had hoped for other than this -
Had you been just in your judgment.

5. If you do not raise his head,
I will give my head that his be raised.