1. How many blamers have I silenced when they scolded me for drinking,
I said to them: “Leave me be, I am no drinker.”

2. I’ve never shirked the silvern draft as long as I’ve lived,
Though the vile and ignoble criticize me for it.

3. Shall I leave my pleasures and obey your whims?
No, Ibn Qais, a man like me will not be cowed.

4. I am the lion, provoked, who then attacks,
When the slender anklets were loosened.

5. You are forbearing, chiding people away
From following their souls’ passions in ignorance, and your forbearance is unheeded.

6. So guard your forbearance, don’t debase it for me,
Let me be, for my way and yours differ.

7. I am a man who has accustomed his soul to a habit,
And all I do, undoubtedly, is what the seeker has accustomed.

8. I give generously of my wealth, open-handedly,
While you are a miser, eaten away by greed.

9. So neither you, nor any who went astray like you,
Can deter me, when doctrines collide.