1. Owalib, you are an Arab
Like a raisin among dates

2. Come closer, my friend
With hospitality and generosity

3. By God, you resemble Arabs more than an Arab does
I was angry at you, but then I saw

4. Your face, so my anger passed
When you reminded me of

5. The complexion of my ancestors and the hue of my father
Say what you will, I'll accept it

6. And if you exaggerate in lying
I have already told about you and about

7. Your father, the pure Arab
The knowing ones said of him

8. A bloodsucker, not a Bedouin
Who came to us from the lands of Rome

9. Covered in armor and mail coat
Small-bellied like a lizard

10. Wearing a cloak but no dagger
Owalib, what brought you among

11. The nomads, you of noble lineage?
I see you were born in Mirrih

12. O son of gilt Sabaeans
You came, hollow-cheeked,

13. Blue-eyed, dock-tailed
You have erred in insulting me

14. So tell me, did I not hit the mark?