1. The tribe of passionate love called me,
So I responded, for I am no coward or dullard.

2. My eyes cannot be blamed if a beauty has captivated them -
Though her glances poured no wine, my veins were intoxicated.

3. I called upon my neighbors at Nuway and Shatawan
To uphold our bond of neighborliness, but they did not draw near.

4. They saw blood spilled among them one day,
Yet denied it, though the cause was clear.

5. I entrust to God moons that adorn a binding -
They rival the new crescent with their brilliance.

6. With songs of sadness for the bond of Kuthayyir
I greeted you, O branches and shrubs!

7. O you who blame me at dawn for your absence -
For the fire in my heart upon the slopes of Nuwayy there is kindling.

8. The nights and days are more deserving of blame
Than one darkened by the gloom of estrangement.

9. Of fate I complain of fangs made ragged -
And between my jaws are words that flutter and flee.

10. How strange that a garden once verdant
Now withers, its greenery and radiance diminished!

11. Let my age know what turmoil awaits
When I meet the tribe of Dāwud recoiling in alarm.

12. A people whose resolves have keen edges -
The gleam of their Indian swords is but child’s play to them.

13. When they yearn, mountains firm as pillars stand fast,
And when they love, the clouds pour down torrents unceasing.

14. How many armies have their wise leaders routed,
And how much glory their noble lords have secured!

15. Ask any soothsayer or diviner about their feats -
The only response will be reverent silence.

16. Sons of donkeys! If to you
I am the moon, then you are but shooting stars about it.

17. The horseman thrusting steeds until the steeds say:
“Would that the crooked had never a hoof created!”

18. A eulogy I composed, stripping away
Every adornment of praise - its elegance lies in its candor.

19. Had it been recited at Ukaz, while the tribes
Harked to feats made eternal in verse and oration,

20. The Arabs would acknowledge its surpassing merit
And concur in extolling its preeminence.