1. Oh deliver on my behalf a message to Ziyad
For the messenger may convey to the robed pilgrim

2. The sign that passion for you is my nature
I have professed it in jest and sincerity

3. You give with your tongue but in reality
Your possessions are naught but from your tongue

4. Your tongue is sweet but you are fickle
And without wealth you are stingy and spiteful

5. You speak and whoever hears says you will act
Yet behind it is a door of stinginess shut fast

6. You have kindness yes but it is such
That it seduces the unaware innocent as such

7. So say no and make no gesture of perhaps or yes
And do not say I will when you say no

8. And with truth face your discourse for it is
More proper, nearer righteousness and most apt

9. And if you must refuse then do it with grace
For a man may refuse yet gentle in his case

10. And we have no good if you are miserly
Better the words yes then you become stingy

11. If no is hard on you and not easy to say
The other is harder and weighs more in its way

12. If it is not said with truth and there was none
When tested it is but misleading confusion