1. The rain pours not but where the lightning guides,
Nor do lions protect their cubs but with might.

2. Like the assisted, the assistant whose fortune
Was perfected by the Bestower’s grace.

3. Follow the Messenger of God in his guidance,
And the bright star of the Zahras from his kin.

4. One who makes life good by his good,
And time beautiful by his beauty.

5. Who protects the realm by his care,
Over its corners and horizons.

6. For the son of Khosayb, woe unto him! How he transgressed
With his dispelled falsehood and nullity!

7. He almost undermined the trustee of God,
In himself, his partisans, and his wealth.

8. And coveted the dominion which he coveted
Through his deceit therein and trespassing.

9. So God unleashed upon him a vengeance
That changed the blessing of his state.

10. And ambition led him to a downfall
The like of which had not occurred to him.

11. He tasted the consequence of his way,
And the evils of his deeds recoiled upon himself.

12. He wished others ill, so the ill of his hopes
Befell him in turn.

13. He angered God by esteeming
The world, and pleasing it through humiliation.

14. So the people’s joy at his demise
Matches their rage at his advent.

15. Yesterday they yearned to kill him,
And awaited the quickening of his ruin.

16. O defender of the faith, be about to gain victory
Over the sinister and crafty enemies of religion.

17. For the blood and wealth of the wicked are licit
If you consider the essence of their affair.

18. He who plots and kindles ruin
Through his pernicious acts.

19. The soundest view is to slay him
With the sword and confiscate his money.