1. 'Amr's mother cried "Woe!" and turned towards me,
Rebuking me while dawn had barely drawn breath,

2. And wondering at my granting every wish,
My open-handedness with all I possess;

3. And knowing I'm of a family
Whose nobility the loftiest genealogy stressed,

4. Masters of men by valor and munificence,
And the glory of generous, towering Ma'add's race;

5. Who were born to Quraysh ladies delicate
Of dazzling fairness and lightly-dimpling face;

6. So I said "Forbear, enough!" but she turned away,
On her cheek a rose peeping from narcissus' place.

7. Am I miserly? - my tribe traced back to Umayya
Never with fame unmingled has been obsessed;

8. Nor am I one who finds the smiles of wealth agree,
If poverty should come to me, I won't acquiesce.

9. A man may live at times in wealth, at times distress,
While branches now are leafless, now in leaf dressed.'