1. When we pledged allegiance over the edges of swords
And the spears were raised above the noble steeds

2. To war against a tribe, though we sufficed
Even if they were like the vast, turbulent seas

3. Glory lies not in gathering armies but rather
The valor of a man is breaking up a host of soldiers

4. Hold off, O daughter of uncles, the tribes of Kalb
Have come with Ghaneem and Amir

5. They surge like the waves of the sea beneath clouds
That have gathered from the striking of hooves

6. So they fled hastily with the spears in their backs
Almost cleaving kidney from abdomen and chest

7. With the sword I left in the wasteland bones
And flesh of theirs for the tearing eagles

8. Yet my tribe did not heed except the word of the son of an oppressor
Wicked were his words, the words of a deceiver

9. He sought and claimed none on earth matched him
But when we met the pride of the arrogant was laid bare

10. I love the clan of Abs though they spill my blood
With the love of a truthful, steadfast slave

11. And I approach when they distance me and I meet
The spears of foes and hot arrows

12. Zuhair turned his back and spears surrounded him
A corpse with the blades of long spears

13. He was the greatest of men in worth yet he arose
The greatest corpse to visit the graves

14. Alas how Khalid's heart was gladdened
By the crown of Banu Abs, the honored tribes

15. How can I sleep the night without avenging him
When he was my protection in major calamities