1. Hashima says in her saying,
You complained of life, O Abu Ma'mar,

2. And why should I not complain of life?
This is Bilal on the pulpit,

3. And this is his brother leading armies,
Great in canopy and troops.

4. Subtle, with no sanctity they know,
For neighbor or begging stranger.

5. As for Ibn Salma, he's like a girl
In kohl and bracelet early in the morning,

6. Serving dinner parties when night falls,
A boytoy for every debauched fellow.

7. And Ibn Ushath, full of nonsense,
Lies, fraud, and disgrace.

8. If it were said "A slave whose trade enriched merchants,
A captive from Rome," none would doubt it.

9. And Ibn Mahana, after misery
And tailoring in Kesker,

10. Visits the kings of Iraq
Though he once lived in disregard.

11. He visits when the destitute travel,
Though the richest people won't enrich him.

12. As for Al-Mukahhal Wahb the clown,
If he lived forever, he'd show no patience

13. For tambourines, reed-flutes, entertainment,
Castanets, and tinkling bells.

14. He'd curse Haneen if she appeared,
Die cursing her, and not be buried.

15. And this is Ibn Zayd in a gown
Redolent of musk and ambergris,

16. This is Aban the son of al-Walid,
An orator, who when he stands can't be endured

17. Beyond the inkstand. After pouring out
On the notebook, if a guest came to him

18. He wouldn't offer more than the two whites
With soda.