1. I learned that the best of people is a dead man
Lying on the sands of desolation, no longer ambitious.

2. His death has filled all of Qais with grief -
My friends of the tribe, and the tribe’s essence.

3. Far and wide, the news of his killing spread,
And it specially pained the tribe’s core.

4. If not for his wronging others, I’d have wept for him
As long as the stars rose in the sky.

5. But the lad carried the sons of Badr -
Their transgression was his pasture and abode.

6. I reckoned my forbearance had been known by my people,
Though a forbearing man may be thought a fool.

7. I mixed with men, and they mixed with me -
Some were crooked with me, some were straight.

8. Do not cover over wrongs - you’ll never see
An unjust man made joyous by wealth.

9. Do not hastily proceed with your affair, but persist.
Your stick has not yet become accustomed to praying.

10. I face reprehensible deeds from men,
And I denounce them, for I am no deceiver.

11. No calamity should make you complain of being too close,
If your opponent does not give you even half.