ضَرَبنا حُماةَ النِرسِيانِ بِكَسكَرٍ

غَداةَ لَقَيناهُم بِبيضٍ بَواتِرِ

We struck the protectors of Persia with spears

The next morning when we met them with sharp swords

وَفُزنا عَلى الأَيّامِ وَالحَربُ لاقِحٌ

بِجُردٍ حِسانٍ أَو برودٍ غَرائِرِ

And we triumphed over the days and war stirred up

With brave charges or glistening coats of mail

وَظَلَّت قلالُ النِرسِيانِ وَتَمرُهُ

مُباحاً لمن بَينَ الدِيارِ الأَضافِرِ

And the fruits of Persia and its date palms

Remained lawful booty for whoever’s grasp could seize them

أَبَحنا حِمى قَومٍ وَكانَ حِماهُمُ

حَراماً عَلى مَن رامَهُ بِالعَساكِرِ

We violated the sanctuary of a people whose sanctuary

Had been inviolate against attack by armies