1. O Fadl! What good is aloofness and anger,
Or when the cord of amiability is severed?

2. Or when an absent loved one you push away
Constantly though he seeks to draw near?

3. For a fault I shall never repeat,
The wind of a northern journey shall not blow again.

4. Or has a slanderer attacked me
Kindling for me a fire of lies with you?

5. O Fadl! My enemies rejoice while you
Have given them more than they hoped for.

6. Your coldness toward me, though we were friends,
Whose affection was abundant before.

7. He was a friend, and became an acquaintance,
Thus hearts can turn and change.

8. I weep for him whenever an eye sheds tears
And they flow copiously and freely.

9. I mourn for one alive though his love is dead,
Lamenting again and again though sympathy and affection avail me naught.

10. I cry for the loss of his love and devotion
That once burned bright but is extinguished now.

11. I used to visit him in friendship
No veil concealed me from meeting him.

12. He showed affection and honored me,
When affection's door was open between us.

13. When I was at the height of my status
That the Arabs used to honor.

14. I was sheltered by glorious reigns
With abundant rain and gold.

15. In humble life and under royal shade
Milk for us flowed sweet and pure.

16. But when fate turned against me
And time's vicissitudes came upon us,

17. The door of amiability was closed to me
As if no connection was between us before.

18. O friend! I never expected your change of heart,
One of refinement would not act this way.

19. Why did I hope in a friend
Looking for his benefits and favors?

20. I come to you, my feet stumbling in haste,
Yearning drives me though you veil yourself from me.

21. As if when I come to see you in peace
I am shunned or frowned upon by your cold guards.

22. Such disdain is not the reward of a loyal friend,
Qualities and speeches fall short of this.

23. By my life! A free man does not accept humiliation,
Though young his determination is firm.

24. O Fadl! I shall not bear estrangement,
Though in the world I am humbled and troubled.

25. Never! I shall not be disgraced by one
Who has spurned me though his meadows are vast.

26. My resolve prevents me from bearing
What would shame me though hearts waver.

27. Until dust covers my bones
I carry what would shame the weak.

28. O Fadl! I have words to say
That stir anger when I repeat them.

29. Honor prevents me from you
And an intimacy that falsehood would taint.

30. How many foes have I silenced for your sake
And how often anger against you I have curbed.

31. When men denounced you
I defended you from their attacks.

32. If people were judged by their deeds
You would be the one I choose and prefer.

33. I make you the best among them
Even if they are displeased and angry.

34. Yet I find myself spurned by you
Though I respected propriety and avoided harm.