1. I do not reproach Bakr ibn Wa'il's tribe
Nor do I complain of the fierce, audacious swordsman.

2. But I have a greater claim on them than their ally
When ruin threatens or at the dividing of spoil.

3. Envy against Bakr provoked me to what I said
Though my secret thought acquitted Bakr of blame.

4. They knew well that I am the poet who holds
Every sanctity of Bakr sacred.

5. I am a foe to those who show enmity to them
And I thank them while my fortunes side with theirs.

6. They defended me when Ziyad plotted against me
With a flaming, fiercely burning firebrand.

7. They jeopardized themselves to protect me
When there were those among them who urged my death.

8. Are you content, O tribe of Shayban, may you be rewarded,
When all Bakr, both chiefs and commons, are destroyed?

9. By the Azd of Oman, brothers to the exclusion of their tribe,
They certainly imagined, in their view, something inconceivable.

10. Their sister's brother, Abd al-A'la, built a home for her
In Heraclius' land, and al-A'la is of high-towering origin,

11. Lofty, of firmly constructed buildings, his glories are not laid low
Nor demolished however the days assail.

12. They have ransomed you, and excellent was their ransom;
None of their kin ransomed the Prophet more generously.