1. Convey to Mu'awiyah, in whose right hand
Lies command of Iraq and every Levant

2. That worries have beset me, when they converged
Untroubled in my heart, rapping at its door

3. They keep awake whom worries pierce his soul
Each seeking what it craves of him for sure

4. Commanding me to call on Mu'awiyah
Whose son led every reckless, ravenous cur

5. Or make straight for his father, he's the light
Of day, dispelling darkness' heavy pall

6. Before him caliphs reigned, yet he it was
Through Islam his father hypocrisy forestalled

7. Inheriting Mohammed's legacy, theirs
By foremost right, allotted fairest share

8. When challenged for successorship by sword,
All honed and sharpened for the fatal stroke

9. Rightfully the caliphate was Abu's heir
Hisham, inheritance from their people's trust

10. Make your prayers sincere, saved you'll be
For the day you meet Him in peace to be

11. He who fashioned the heavens and made the earth
His Prophet and caliph of all humanity

12. A King before whom kings are bowed down low
Knower of secrets, when every bird takes flight

13. I hope for prayers from one who for his son
Sacrificed, most gracious and benevolent

14. Isaac, when his father brought him to an altar
Saw it as a dream, said with great deference

15. Go ahead and do as you are commanded
With patience I meet my fate, an innocent

16. That blessed one was where you had placed him
Succor of the poor, and the orphan's nourishment

17. Soon you'll know whose words are lies, when we
Stand before the Imam, yours and mine

18. He who repeats their slander against me
Casting aspersions from his haughty perch

19. Can a poetaster thrive who hasn't earned
Scandals like the greats, trudging feet of verse?

20. Grim-faced, long-nosed, with pride withering all
For him she came, lust personified