1. She spoke without intending insult
Slow down, for you have made my ears hear

2. I denied it until I thought it true
And war is a painful misfortune

3. He who tastes war finds it
Bitter, and it imprisons him in shackles

4. My temples have turned white, so
I cannot sleep except fitfully

5. I hurry to help the Bani Malik tribe
Each man busy with his own task

6. Before me a horse, sturdy and brave
With fast legs and chest armor

7. I readied it, tied up, steadfast
Like a pillar fixed in the ground

8. I protected it for myself, a graceful one
White like a cutting sword

9. A true, polished, sharp-edged sword
And a brown, curved machete

10. We do not flinch from killing, and repay
Enemies measure for measure

11. As if we were a lion by its cubs
Roaring in a valley of narrow paths

12. Then we met, and we were a dense
Throng, not a scattered crowd

13. Wisdom and strength are better than
Mercy, jest and wailing

14. A cat is never like a leopard, nor is
A sheepherder like a shepherd among men

15. Asking pledges when he had limited
My slowness and haste

16. Shall I spend money for his love
Among you, and answer the caller's call?

17. And strike with the sword in the
Fray - my arm did not fall short

18. Those are my deeds, and I have sealed
Bloodshed on the skulls of prey

19. Of beautiful cheeks
Adorned with kohl and tattoos

20. Swaying to scolding and escaping
The whip, safe, unblemished

21. I accomplish my needs through them - the gallant man
Is captive to one of dual guises