Sol 5.6

  1. Indeed—by the strokes of slender, gleaming blades

    that light the dust-clouds for the noble, unshod steeds!

  2. Hunayd indeed deluded the sons of Judham,

    and none can shield his people from what he has brought upon them.

  3. He summoned their fools, and they marched to him,

    with leg never joining leg in a gathered host.

  4. Thieves who care nothing for disgrace

    when they resolve to set forth.

  5. Some men among them surrounded Dihya—

    men whom wolves would reckon as companions.

  6. They made off with Caesar’s gifts, though they were abundant,

    and nothing of them remained with al-Kalbi.

  7. He came crying out for aid and found a protector

    who would answer his cry against all he suffered.

  8. No one is a match for Muhammad when

    he gives heroes the cup of death to drink.

  9. He summoned Zayd, who advanced with troops

    that spend their nights longing for battle,

  10. toward Hisma—for no disease can be decisively cured

    unless you charm it with blood outpoured.

  11. Onward to him, son of Haritha—onward!

    For there oppression spreads its vast pavilion.

  12. Dihya shall have his due, and the sword is keen;

    the sons of Judham have no means of escape.

  13. Slaves of idolatry—it bound them fast, and they settled

    in the abode of humiliation: what fetters indeed!

  14. Behold, the tables were turned on Hunayd;

    did he find destruction sweet to taste?

  15. And did he look upon his son when he fell

    and behold the terror of death, bitter as poison?

  16. One after another the people fell slain in the melee,

    as though their swift-falling men were racehorses.

  17. So welcome the sheep, driven off as plunder,

    and welcome the camels, both males and females!

  18. But alas for the wives and children,

    suffering grievously from the pain of parting.

  19. The noble delegation came from Dabib

    when affliction had drawn the noose tight.

  20. Their leader said, “All of us

    stand together in accord upon the upright faith.

  21. Islam is what unites us, and

    praise be to God, we are not people of division.

  22. Relieve us, Zayd, of what has befallen us;

    for it can neither be endured nor borne.”

  23. He brought clear proofs from the Book,

    so he could not be accused of unbelief or hypocrisy.

  24. And from among them there journeyed to God’s Messenger

    seekers of goodness and unstinting generosity.

  25. Then he said, “Go to the detachment, cousin;

    if you catch up with it, what a fine brother-in-arms you will be!

  26. Here is my sword—take it as proof of my truthfulness.”

    What a radiant proof it was!

  27. The Prophet’s command went forth—what a grave affair

    whose night cleared after brooding darkness!

  28. Shall every thief of Judham be given victory,

    while the Raiser of the seven heavens is vanquished?

  29. Exalted is God: no one can ascend to Him—

    no climber, however lofty upon the earth.

Sol 5.6