1. Glory lies in the draw of the green scimitar,
And renown on the backs of the steeds.

2. Fragrance lies in the rust of armours,
Pride in the cane so swarthy and slender.

3. When you smite, smite with a striking sword,
When you claim descent, then claim descent from Himer.

4. They are mountains, firm standing in the fray,
And seas, surging at the barrier.

5. They drank the sweetest draught at the battle’s rage
And gave the foe to drink blood red and eager.

6. They donned white mail and adorned
Their shoulders with glittering iron greaves.

7. They plucked the fruits of praise from the palm of glory
And avoided the tree that bore no fruit.

8. They stripped off their white robes from their bodies
And robed themselves in coats of mail green as frogs.

9. They left behind each crooning maiden
To embrace the clanging, clattering armor.

10. Blameless they lived until times were troubled
By events that demanded blameless men.

11. Each warrior’s night has a moon
Where every face is lit with its light.

12. Each Haydar has its lion of war,
Each knight returns wrath with wrath.

13. My people are the noblest of high estate,
Their place is above the starry spheres.

14. Through them I ascend to the highest class,
And crush the nose of the arrogant demon.

15. I am a branch of that fine stock - I thrive on its purity
As its noble essence is my own essence.

16. Say to him who boasts of his tribe and kin,
“If your tribe were like mine, then boast!”

17. They who in the morn were Hāzim became at dusk
A shattering quake to the forts of Manzur.

18. If you never heard of their steeds wreaking havoc
On the hosts of Kesra and the troops of Keyser,

19. Look then at Sulayman the Prince when he wrought havoc
Among the lances of Shammar and their clans.

20. When he advanced against Shammar in companies
Like the moon glaring at the muddy stars,

21. At dawn he took them, every last tribe,
Swooping like a falcon on every cluster.

22. He charged at the rear of the cavalry boldly,
And took the infantry by surprise.

23. Their companies scattered before him
As though their multitudes were never there.

24. As their warriors turned their backs, they were like
Jinn pelted by a shooting star.

25. The black banners sent them into flight.
Red they became, though they came like lions.

26. Till their ranks were torn and dispersed,
Rent by the hands of discord in this abandoned place.

27. That was leadership, not the leadership of Rustum,
That was courage, not the courage of Antar.

28. O you, strong of purpose, who is the staunch one,
The Lion of Battle, the valiant, the intrepid!

29. I have held fast to the noble principles of Shammar
Though they betrayed me, I did not betray.

30. I planted my spear amid their abodes
And left them bewildered as cattle.

31. I reined in my steed from the tents of their women,
Repenting, submissive, asking forgiveness.

32. Rejoice, O son of two chiefs, in an engagement
Inscribed by fate upon tablets to remember.

33. How many a fire you quenched whose flames had raged,
How many traitorous bellies your dagger cleft!

34. Things hidden from all, except from you -
These gifts I brought to your noble court to observe.

35. Veil their shame with the garb of acceptance,
Though at your door they brought you no disgrace.

36. Grant the aid of a victory past or pending,
Good fortune will come if you perceive.

37. I remain the bold leader of armies surrounded
By the blades of swords and the spirit of Alexander.