1. Al-An'ami tried to make amends though I had no friend
Nor anyone to whom I could turn in time of need

2. So I spoke to him words that pleased and we were reconciled
Though I doubted that my words could make things right

3. Generous am I to the noble-minded, and careful to avoid
Censure, when the mean-spirited are grudgingly tight

4. Thus did the family of Malik caution and advise me
For little blame is better than much, be sure of that.