كَم مِن سَفيهٍ غاظَني سَفهاً

فَشَفَيتُ نَفسي مِنهُ بِالحِلمِ

How many a fool has vexed me with folly,

Yet I calmed myself against him with forbearance,

وَكَفَيتُ نَفسي ظُلمَ عادِيَتي

وَمَنَحتُ صَفوَ مَوَدَّتي سِلمي

And I restrained myself from the wrong of my adversary,

And I granted the choice of my affection in peace.

وَلَقَد رُزِقتُ لِظالِمي غِلَظاً

وَرَحِمتُهُ إِذ لَجَّ في ظُلمي

Truly I was granted harshness against my oppressor,

Yet I had mercy on him when he persisted in wronging me.