1. O clan of Amer, glory belongs only to the mighty,
To those who wield the sword, not to the unjust.

2. The passionate lover conquers his rival's will,
And conflict makes men the greatest rulers.

3. I see the camels of the commoners challenging on the hills,
Eating the shrubs along the roadsides.

4. Their horses' mouths pant with thirst,
Drinking from their mouths the bitter drafts.

5. He attempts a deed that brings him nigh to death,
He has slipped far from what the virtuous intend.

6. He took the scent of the breeze as spoils of war,
Though the takings of war will surely be returned one day.

7. And he loves the rumble of lightning that he senses
Rushing forth when the clouds pass over it.

8. I wipe the dark's eyelids with a soft touch,
And beyond it lurks a blackness from the night's assault.

9. I have a need amongst the soft steps of the messengers -
The days will bring gentle, pleasing maidens.

10. They attack me in every east and west,
But I expect they will not make peace.

11. I say, when a company passes by night,
It eludes me until the combative dawn.

12. Leave the valley's sides - beyond them
I smell the long-armed apes, wild and unruly.

13. When he is determined, his resolves do not fail him,
And if he rages, the food does not turn against him.

14. As if behind his cheeks, a gaping maw,
With tusk-like projections from his fangs and incisors.

15. Never has an equal seized prey from him,
Nor has his nose returned while he was forced to submit.

16. He sees the rider of darkness in his lair,
And from him the cave dragons recoil in their dens.

17. We sneak behind the night, keeping our secrets,
Though the floodwaters have exposed us at dawn.

18. Each day he raids his enemies,
And the fierce eagles join him in the foray.

19. As if death itself, should it approach,
Would wake to his fangs while he yet slumbers.

20. The lion is none but he who risks himself,
And proceeds when the greatest perils confront him.

21. Not every lion profits his clan if they take his provisions,
When the flags flutter in the darkness.