1. I forbade you from righteousness, but you refused out of sheer obstinacy,
And I warned you against mounting misguidance recklessly,

2. Lest it cast you into utter ruin.
What grievance did you have with him except your own stubbornness

3. And contention in the darkness of overflowing rancor?
The counsel of the Commander of the Faithful and his sword,

4. Not hiding any deceit like another counselor.
His two pillars are supported by loyalists, and he is committed

5. To a clear methodology with the Caliph.
He has uncovered his secrets and mysteries,

6. Like the unveiling of a bright star in the dark night.
You had the respite to desist from defying him

7. If only you had chosen the gentle rebuke.
So your wealth has now appeared after its concealment,

8. And after its hiding, the disgraces have surfaced.
Treasures whose rights the truthful one denied,

9. And over which the miserly hearts’ locks were tightened.
Repelling needs as if you were absent-minded people with blank stares,

10. And avoiding good deeds as if you saw in them the ills of healthy souls.
Whoever missed the day of the loyalists and your day

11. Missed a momentous day of great calamities.
Tomorrow you marched, and the canopy is the venue

12. For two steadfast opponents, with little frivolity and much seriousness.
No person stood for Mars against Mercury,

13. Nor did you stand for the people during the struggle.
When your pens and swords met,

14. The birds of prey revealed their sharp talons.
So let no vainglorious scribe deceive me after you,

15. If he does not wield the firm spear.
Abu al-Fadl, never lack loftiness when the tongue of a foe assails,

16. Or when the heart of a slanderer murmurs.
The causes against the people are severed, and they have reached

17. An epoch-making event in the prophecy of time.
So nothing remains but an imposition of demands,

18. With its clutches, or a favor from one who forgives.
Whoever forgets the rest, I am neither his supporter

19. Nor among those who hope for it, fleeing.
If you do not refrain from malice, you will not succeed

20. In reputation, nor be fortunate with a praising eulogizer.
No abundance is hoped for from a non-flowing cloud,

21. Nor any rain from a non-pouring raincloud.
When you are not gentle, you will not gain

22. Any mention, nor be felicitous with a praising panegyrist.