1. I do not sleep smug and self-satisfied
Nor do I lean on any lord or neighbor

2. I will inform the boastful Bedouin about me
And about him when he sallied forth for glory

3. I am the son of the two most honorable parents
The spears disputed me from Tujar

4. We lash the bellowing camel for honor’s sake
And we drink in pitchers and drinking horns

5. And we ride the unique steeds to the clubs
And the silk curtains for fierce wars

6. I was captured but how many captives went before
Whose faces are adorned with the necklace of captivity

7. Like Kaab or like Bistam son of Qais
Who were struck but their honor was never stained

8. So how can what did not befall them befall me
Reconsider, for truth is indeed bare

9. When time changes it elevates some slaves
And debases some great lords

10. We ruled you then covered over you
And did not make you targets of defamation

11. When after nakedness you wore rags
And regretted generosity over stinginess

12. And got from apricots and dried yogurt
And were given borage in broth

13. You boast, o son of a shepherd and shepherdess
It is enough loss for you, o sons of the free

14. By my father's life, you have changed a life
For your life, as things slide to their destined ends

15. When you were thirsty for alcohol
You shared your dog in that company

16. You dance at the words of the debauched
And jump to the strains of music and wine

17. You gnaw the truffle of the salted hyrax
And care not for the pearls of homes

18. You roll hedgehogs down for their prey
And the chase of vermin makes you forget noble deeds

19. You envy the roaster of chickpeas until
You go to him out of love for meanness

20. You tremble before the critic or peddler
Stealing and content with petty things

21. You go in the morning to get provisions
And forget the noble man’s generosity

22. Your pride between lizards and hyenas
Over one like me of the great youth

23. Your place among us is a disgrace upon us
Would that you were absent in the heat of fire