1. What solace have I, no solace relieves me, though
One day I recited my choicest poetry,

2. And he said: 'This youth has not fallen short,'
But, 'How has this letter assumed an oblique case ending?'

3. So he who sat behind him slapped him,
And said: 'This is no fit answer.'

4. He replied: 'That man is accustomed
To make the Copts answer the Arabs thus.'

5. Do you know the oblique case ending without him
From whom kinship cannot draw you nigh?