1. One day I said to Ar-Raqashi
While he was insulting his patrons,

2. "What drew you away from your origins
And from uncle and nephew?

3. He said to me, "For a time I was a client;
Then it became clear to me

4. That in Basra I was an Arab's client,
In the mountains a free Arab.

5. Truly I claim them both
For my swarthiness and leanness."