1. Alas for the soul that constantly grieves
Over a body that has nothing left but its wailing.

2. I see my worries worryingly betray my intellect,
So say, O intimate of the soul, what is its remedy?

3. Whoever desires what is beyond his reach
His swords crave water at Mirage's wells.

4. And seekers of glory, not finding what they seek,
Summits of rubbish no one can scale.

5. We rose despite it like shining full moons
That unveiled the thick curtains of darkness.

6. And we are Mu'awiyah's followers, pleased with us
As kings, and we have lions among our cubs.

7. Our uncles are the chiefs of Qais and Wa'il
Our paternal uncles are the successors of Kindaf.

8. The nobility of Kenanah know that we
When rashness shreds politeness are its menders

9. Only through us did the Arabs attain supremacy
Their glory and wealth were ours to bestow.

10. What bard whose compositions encompassed the world
Was not satisfied with our praise in his rhymes?

11. And when our days came to pass
The woes of a few easy days clung to them.

12. Smiles were upon us in joy
In worries, it was tears.

13. It was wounded on our account and its chests
Sighed over the stab wounds of fate's caprice.

14. Had it known what was to befall it after us
The ignorant would not have exulted over us.

15. When we remember our forebears it is seized with
A madness whose heat overcomes the young man.

16. Some people from Nizar and Yarbub have fared badly
So their dimwits felt belittled while we were their heaven.

17. Does the roaring lion abase his roar in a lair
When the howling of dogs dwells within it?

18. We ruled the regions of the countries which then
Bow in fear or desire to its magnates.

19. The bejeweled retinues walked humbly by us
Planets whose blood was shed by their swords.

20. We used to meet catastrophes with faces
Like the cheeks of pages, dripping water.

21. When we wanted to reveal what the nights
Inflicted on us, shame would not allow us.

22. While you, sons of those who find fault with their children
Are blessed with favor who robes you in its cloth.

23. Yet you did not ask what our souls conceal
And pride prevents us from confessing.

24. No good is in a soul that cowers before events
Arrogance accustomed neither to injustice nor justice.

25. You attained no wealth in times of prosperity,
Woe to a world of which you are the heads.