1. Is it a sword unsheathed or lightning flashing bright?
Or is it Abu Al-Muhannad's fire ablaze with light?

2. Eulogies and gifts all gleam and shine,
Each like the dawn radiating from its niche.

3. My poetry astounded eloquent men when recited,
And freely flowed the plenteous, gushing rain.

4. Zuheir was blessed, being of Tamim's line,
And best of all blessings is praise men find fine.

5. With Indian blades to eulogize me they aspired,
Though some may be gifted a sword of steel so fine.

6. Gentle of mien, fierce of might, brave and bold,
Among comrades is he whom youths extol.

7. They fear his might and the flash of his hands
Like the steed's ferocity and the blade that makes men howl.

8. To bring gladness to his abode at dawn
Is a heap of straw gathered in night's dark shoal.

9. Certainty of death the foe realized
When his keen blade for them would dawn and shine.

10. As if Fakhr Al-Din's guests were his sons,
Whom a righteous father, benign, would enfold.

11. He hungers while food for them is righteousness and lamb,
And he lightly clad while their garb is fine.

12. When night was pitch black with its sneaking thieves,
A cheerful dawn from it would shine.

13. The sayl refreshes the greatest among them,
Or a plenteous sabuħ would them entwine.

14. They crowd together where his protection lies
As if the harem's path they tread and align.

15. A mounted band of the Ghiyath's attack
So crammed the wide field would confine.

16. On his heroes garb of death is glory,
To meeting him they rush with design.

17. His chargers, his advance guard, and his blood
From their springs flow out in a line.

18. So congested his two lines the field,
That the thrusting and piercing made it confine.

19. Swords flash brightly upon his white steeds
As if the blows between them were fire divine.

20. They accept death with proud disdain
As if the death-drink for them is fine wine.

21. Valiant heroes, mourning-clad, Arab steeds raced,
And sturdy bows with taut strings align.

22. I routed them with the Shammary's brave attack,
So tribulations diminished and straits did decline.

23. I swear, if you descended on arid sands,
The fresh boughs would manifold twine.

24. If the boulders of Tud touched your hands,
The remnants and fragments apart would recline.

25. As if you, by your noble deeds,
Are urged and inspired glory to gain and shine.

26. Your praise's feast returns your lover,
As the guest accustomed returns to dine.

27. Those who love are gladdened, as you are a joyous youth,
By your sweet mention - nothing more fine!

28. You have judged my poetry, so its choice parts
And its rubbish to you I assign.

29. And I care not for men, though great in lineage -
If stingy their souls, I decline!