Sol 5.6

  1. And in Abu Sa‘d there is meanness,

    though he offers hospitality and smiles.

  2. He feeds his guests—but still,

    he feeds his guests and then regrets it.

  3. Nor does he regret it in secret;

    instead, he speaks of it aloud.

  4. So whoever desires his hospitality,

    and the abuse that comes with it, let him step forward.

  5. No reputation will satisfy him,

    nor any wounded hide;

  6. no—the flesh is slashed apart,

    no—the bones are shattered.

  7. And how can any raider escape

    when he falls upon a lion’s prey?

  8. Beware, beware—if you visit

    him—of stopping where food is served.

  9. For lawful fare in his house

    is forbidden to guests.

  10. Whoever declares his preserve fair game

    must pay blood for blood.

  11. Ah, how often we have eaten honey

    at his house, only to find it bitter colocynth!

  12. He hosted us, and so we ate;

    now we are lampooned and reviled.

  13. He was never one of the generous;

    he merely puts on a show of generosity.

  14. Ask his noble son about that—

    for he knows better and knows best.

  15. After all, a branch is watered only

    from its own root—take the point.

Sol 5.6