لَقَد صَدَقوا وَالراقِصاتِ إِلى منى

بِأَنَّ مَوَدّاتِ العدى لَيسَ تَنفَعُ

They spoke truly, by the dancing-girls, unto Mina,

That cordiality to a foe brings no advantage.

وَلَو اِنَّني دارَيتُ دَهرِيَ حَيَّةً

اِذا اِستَمكَنَت يَوماً مِنَ اللَسعِ تلسعُ

Though I were to pass my days prudent as a snake,

If able some day to sting, that day she stings.