1. The foremost of affairs tending to ruin and corruption
Is a matter directed by Abu 'Abbas.

2. With holes in his gown, his courtiers are as though
They came for a battle and day of flogging.

3. They assault his writers with their pens
So one is smeared and stained with ink.

4. As though he escaped from the monastery of Mar Hizqil,
A frenzied monk dragging chains and shackles.

5. So tighten, O Commander of the Faithful, his bonds,
For he is more fitting than him for the remainder of blacksmiths.