1. I know the maladies that some have endured,
Though surrounded by my knowledge, yet unaware.
١. إِنِّي لَأَعلَمُ أَدواءَ تَضَمّنها
قَومٌ أَحاطَ بِهِم علمي وَما شَعَروا
2. I do not ruin forever what ruins their steeds
Of construction, nor do they cease from what they destroy.
٢. لا أبلي الدَّهر ما أَبلى جَوادَهُم
مِنَ البِناءِ وَلا يَألونَ ما عَقَروا
3. You will not see me, if they do not seek my regard,
Like the contrarian's opposition when he strives and avenges.
٣. وَلا تَراني إِذا لَم يَبتَغوا حشمي
كَخالفِ الذُّلِّ إِذ يَسعى وَيَنْتَصِرُ
4. Nor did I defend with the defense that came before me
Over the son of my uncle, though he has a master other than him.
٤. وَلا تَدَرَّأتُ بِالدَّرءِ الَّذي قَبلي
عَلى اِبنِ عَمّي وَالمَولى لَهُ غِيَرُ
5. For a time I was clad in smooth flowing robes,
You can see my office was not constrained by it.
٥. وَقَد تبلطت حينا مرسما طَلقا
تَرى وَظيفي لَم يُجبر بِهِ أَثَرُ
6. So a man is more just, and the invader with his complaint,
Has from the two hosts a pouring out that is severed.
٦. فَالمَرءُ أَعدَلُ وَالغازي بشكته
لَهُ صَريعٌ مِنَ الصفين مُنقَعِرُ