1. The judges said, of Ma'add and others,
"Your Tameem are peers of the greatest kings.

2. They are a people of lasting might and loftiness,
And they, among Ma'add, are lions in war and battle.

3. They guarantee the wealth of a neighbor in their abode,
And they feed the ages with unceasing generosity.

4. Noble throughout the ages, spurning all baseness,
Standing with forgiveness for those who do not rebuke.

5. How could foreigners ever compete, after
They have risen to the summit of glorious grandeur?

6. Giving drink to the thirsty when they disappear,
And loving intimacy through the binding years.

7. Their hands extend to every height and breadth
When their palms sometimes perform without blame.

8. And when troubles befall them, testing their endurance
To undo the enemy or ward off misfortune.

9. Riding horses, racing to the fight,
Chargers sweeping into the midst of fierce combat.

10. Keeping clear of eagles, complaining of the distance,
Resisting the necks of the striding racers.

11. To demolish a foe or gain spoils—
Thus were they guardians of all gains.

12. However much they seized of a vanquished enemy's loot,
Fires of soft-skinned palms and ripening fruits.

13. Many were the spoils gained by these clans,
As they obtained their share at the divisions.

14. Thus did Allah ennoble our people with this
In former times of old.

15. And when Islam came they were leaders,
Guiding all of Ma'add with resolve.

16. To a glory that was a lofty distinction
For the rest among them—the best intimates.

17. If the rural areas were not graced by a noble's descent,
As foreign kings scorned and shunned them,

18. Then Tameem arrived in battalions, defending
Marching in ranks like snarling lions.

19. Against all bare and flaming evil,
Far and wide the goal of the resolute.

20. Against them a redoubled fold of iron
Formed of interlocked rings ever binding.

21. You were told, 'the glory of life is to strive,'
While you are defenders of men in dire straits.

22. They roared at the idolaters and then became arrogant
Sweeping over them with sharpened swords.

23. They never stopped defying them with their blades
Raised over them—noses high and threatening.

24. From the morning raid till they led back their captives
The men of Tameem sleepless and driving them onward.

25. Riders racing their horses, disheveled, to the fray
With file and fang like wolves for the attack.

26. Those are the endeavors of the noble givers of bounty—
Your Tameem, not the deeds of the blameworthy."