وقالوا فضوليٌّ تعدَّى وما دروا

بأن الفضوليَّ الدخيل غريمُ

They said he was intrusive and overstepped, though they did not realize

That an intruder who barges in is an enemy.

يرى حقه سلطانه وهو مدعٍ

ويقضي بما يرضيه وهو ظلوم

He sees his right as his rule though he makes unjust claims,

And he rules however he wants, for he is unjust.

ولولا عيوب القوم لم يلق حجة

على القوم يرميهم بها ويضيم

If not for the people's faults, he'd have no argument

Against them to pelt them with and oppress them.

وهم حكّموه بينهم وهو مشتفٍ

وهم شيعٌ في دارهم وخصوم

They appointed him arbiter among them while he bore grudges,

And they were his followers in their abode and adversaries.

أيلتمس الحكم الرجال وكلهم

بشرِّ مداه والمآل عليم

Men seek judgment from other men, all of whom

Have a lifespan, while the outcome is known to the All-Knowing.

وما كان حمل العبء فيه شجاعة

ولكنه ذل لهم وهموم

It was not courage that made him bear the burden,

But humiliation for them as he worried.

سئمت مقامي بينهم وهو علة

فيا ليتني بين السباع مقيم

I grew weary of staying among them for it is an affliction,

So I wish I could live among predators.