1. They said he was intrusive and overstepped, though they did not realize
That an intruder who barges in is an enemy.
١. وقالوا فضوليٌّ تعدَّى وما دروا
بأن الفضوليَّ الدخيل غريمُ
2. He sees his right as his rule though he makes unjust claims,
And he rules however he wants, for he is unjust.
٢. يرى حقه سلطانه وهو مدعٍ
ويقضي بما يرضيه وهو ظلوم
3. If not for the people's faults, he'd have no argument
Against them to pelt them with and oppress them.
٣. ولولا عيوب القوم لم يلق حجة
على القوم يرميهم بها ويضيم
4. They appointed him arbiter among them while he bore grudges,
And they were his followers in their abode and adversaries.
٤. وهم حكّموه بينهم وهو مشتفٍ
وهم شيعٌ في دارهم وخصوم
5. Men seek judgment from other men, all of whom
Have a lifespan, while the outcome is known to the All-Knowing.
٥. أيلتمس الحكم الرجال وكلهم
بشرِّ مداه والمآل عليم
6. It was not courage that made him bear the burden,
But humiliation for them as he worried.
٦. وما كان حمل العبء فيه شجاعة
ولكنه ذل لهم وهموم
7. I grew weary of staying among them for it is an affliction,
So I wish I could live among predators.
٧. سئمت مقامي بينهم وهو علة
فيا ليتني بين السباع مقيم