1. By my father Ka'b, a sincere friend and companion,
And Ka'b is unrivaled among helpers and criers for aid,

2. I lead the progeny of wildcats every night,
Extending wings with the darkest feathers outstretched.

3. When the darkness falls suddenly, it is pierced
By the whinnying that furrows the cheeks of the stallion.

4. Raiding occurs amid a crowd of Hawazin,
With soft faces like golden dinars accustomed to refusal.

5. And hands that pluck the crown from the top of a shining sword,
And clothe the visor of the helmet at every battle’s first clash.

6. If they have gathered what lies between back and flank,
Then how much have they separated what lies between exertion and repose!

7. I say to a piece of armor belonging to Lu’ay son of Ghalib
In the vast expanse of the white desert plain:

8. We crossed the plain of Hajir, by God,
And it was filled to the valleys of Murbikh.

9. There a tribe of Quraysh encamped,
Sheltering their neighbor and treating him with a brother's kindness.

10. When the morning cast off its cloak from them,
And the darkness rolled away from its established corner,

11. We stayed where the shade melted away
On flowers speckled in the meadows.

12. The rain clouds continued to crawl above us,
Trailing veils of clouds that soaked the land.

13. That stingy one whose lightning is not followed by rainfall,
When would he crack open in generous gifts and pour down?

14. He called me to fresh drinking water that restored me
Beside twisted fibers that the riders would boil if they were caught out.

15. To you - your hands did not gain anything coveted
Whenever one searches for your embers to kindle.

16. Whenever a guest alights at your abode to rest,
He weeps in pity for the most hospitable of hosts.

17. And I seek refuge with you, O Ka'b son of Mudlij,
Whenever I bolster him with praise without finding fault.

18. Of noble birth that is radiant, his hide is without blemish,
And was never stained by disreputable lineage.

19. Whenever a guest comes to him, he does not veil his homes,
Nor screen himself from those who know him with a barrier.

20. And if war flares up, he quells its burning with forbearance,
And plunges the flames into peace with firmness.

21. That man of great size was like a massive mountain,
Whose bases around him nearly swayed.

22. The horses' reins were pulled, as they trampled him down,
More firmly planted in combat and more steadfast.

23. In the ample folds of his flowing robe, ready
For the test of fate, with resolved purpose made firm.

24. He wades into the deep pool till its water reaches his ankles,
With the strides of heroes that churn its depths.

25. When the stallions of the breeding-pasture are aroused, they wrap
Themselves in valor that captures the onlooker’s gaze.