1. Fate willed naught but what you see; why then
Reproach the turns of Fortune, O ye House of Talib?

2. We left you for a while, why did you not take
The Prophet's heritage with lances and skiffs?

3. In days of Marwan's sons and Bani Harb's reign,
Who held the power - despots - tyrannous - usurping,

4. Full oft a day they clothed you in cerements
With stripes that poured down blood beneath your raiment.

5. When they had shed your blood they put to shame
Our love, for we possessed nor rage nor longing.

6. But when we had avenged you on your foes,
You turned on us and shot at us love's arrows.

7. The griefs that once distressed you, you know
We shared. What is our crime? Unless he is criminal who wounds or shackles.

8. A royal gift is ours by his grace
Who destined it, a Lord munificent in boons.

9. The folk desire no kingdom you should hold,
So tilt not at them, like a jinn-maddened camel.

10. Beware, beware of wronging
A sharp-clawed beast lurking in the jungle.

11. Know it is war that you have learned and known.
By experience learnt, and knowledge follows trial.