1. O my people, I was not about to insult you
And the innocent is wronged if he is accused

2. If some misguided one from Ma'add recites a poem
In which is shame, it would be a burden upon me

3. Refrain, for if I wanted to mock you
It would appear - and it is well known - most manifest

4. I would utter it, but another recites it
So this is a decree whose truth must be altered