1. It is as if the lands of Allah that I roam
Are troubles that I weave, shunned by the noble,

2. The wide open space constricts around me in gloom,
And if not for the soul's worries, the desert would not be straitened.

3. With dignity above both wealth and luxury,
And with imposed misery above both humiliation and poverty.

4. My requests were honored against the disgrace of begging,
So nothing led me except abundant honor.

5. It is the nature of creation's passage to hate
The baseness that misfortune does not rob of ambition.

6. When he is determined, the ignorant night is a companion,
And the rough roads seem smooth to him.

7. He is averse to the noble without poems fair,
Or prose leading to glory.

8. When the lightning of generosity strikes them, they lag behind,
Knocking in the darkness of night, they find no rest,

9. Scattered on the stairs, they strut and scratch,
Descending on a day of battle, they flee.

10. Thirsty for war, neither spear nor sword can motivate them
On a day of turmoil.

11. They think my superior poetry is a miracle to them
And I have no shortcoming except eloquence and poetry.

12. When I have no champion among my swords
I have no words to embellish with triumph.

13. And how much disgrace is heaped upon me by excessive praise
Even when I have an excuse for what I have uttered.

14. The falling stars kept coming till the gardens of spring
Became barren dust.