وَصاحِبٍ داخَلَتهُ نَخوَةٌ فَغَدا

في عَينِ وُدّي قَبيحاً بَعدَ ما حَسُنا

A friend within whom uncouthness crept, to mine eye

Grew loathly after beauty's sheen.

ما زِلتَ بِالعَتبِ أَطويهِ وَأَنشُرَهُ

حَتّى غَدا لَيِّناً مِنهُ الَّذي خَشِنا

Still chiding him, I bent him double and outspread

Till he from harshness softened into grace.