1. If I were like the son of Abi Tahir
I would not claim poetry, but excellence
١. لو كنتُ مثل ابن أبي طاهرٍ
لم أدَّعِ الشعر بل النَجْدَهْ
2. It is enough of his excellence that
He recites poetry like me alone
٢. حسبُك من نجدته أنه
يُنْشِدُ مثلي شعْرَه وحْدَهُ
3. Do you not see he fears my disparagement of him
Or a blow from me
٣. أما تُراه خاف خَسْفي به
عن لطمة مِنِّيَ أوْ قَفْدَهْ
4. How much misery I would bring upon him
Without any weapons or equipment
٤. لَشدَّ ما أقدَم بؤساً له
بلا سلاحٍ وبلا عُدَّهْ