1. The croaker threatens me though I know not his essence,
So I said to him, “You're a novice if you provoke me.”

2. By my life, if you made me a promise you wouldn’t frighten me,
So provoke if you’re provoked, though the sun be your goal.

3. When war's between us, we and you are
Like lions stained with saffron at the fight.

4. Our faces will seem torch-lamps of darkness
When we meet, with coats-of-mail like mirrors shining bright.

5. There the death-distribution was wont to be ours,
But now success in war for you appears in sight.

6. Yet you, croaker of el-Kemin, are not my peer;
Once transported to Er-Rimth, you took hasty flight.

7. I think the steeds of the cold carried you off in disorder,
With Ghatfānī horsemen behind, or else ‘twas from fright.

8. Or else 'twas in valour you went, with nothing missing,
No weakened girthing of saddle, no gear hooked awry.

9. For our footmen are loyal and excellent remnants,
While your footmen are the traitorous and the sly.

10. The folk of ‘Amr have no love for me,
Nor ease for the bard, but sorrow until he die.