1. When you are compelled to speak of him
Whose blame distressed you, then excuse and speak justly of me.

2. I see convention as a draught that loses its purity
When a straw falls into it from the flood.

3. Consider Abu Sahl with a discerning eye,
And mix not jest with earnest in this.

4. Delightful though it be to tarry in an abode,
It is but a thing to be won gradually.

5. Or did you choose the present world as wife
Over that one for no reason but to gratify the husband hastily?

6. Oh, why this haste to purposes, while my purpose
Is fettered, walking delicately ‘twixt the two encampments?

7. Would it but walk delicately ‘twixt Al-Safa and Al-Marwa,
But no! It walks knee deep in the mire!

8. I drew a sword, knowing that for me
You had drawn in the dusty Dehak of the sands.

9. I have no proof of kindness to you
Save kindness you have shown me, O Abu Sahl.

10. You whose favors are counted obligation
By the recipient, not for stupidity or ignorance.

11. You look on kindness you have rendered
As a favor to yourself. So your nature is generosity.

12. When you succor the destitute you make them wealthy.
So bounty upon bounty, and grace upon grace!

13. Your water-skin will never slake the camels’ thirst,
If your watering be not a streaming upon a stream.

14. So cease not from pouring for them gently,
In continuous flow, stream after stream.

15. I was content you should wrong all men save one alone,
For whom you acknowledged superior merit and intelligence.

16. You protected him with an opinion - but when
He acted basely you were stung like the bee.

17. So be you a bee, harming not unjustly,
Do good, therein combining justice and grace.

18. Win by remaining far if your remaining
Be long, and monopolize the priority of nearness!