رجعت على السفيه بفضل حلمي

فكان الحلم عنه له لجاما

I returned the fool's offense with my forbearance

Thus forbearance was his protection and defense

وظنّ بي السفاه فلم يجدني

أسافههُ فقلتُ له سلاما

He thought me a fool, but found me not

To act foolishly, so I bid him peace

فقام يحُرّ رجليه ذليلا

وقد كسبَ المذلّة والملاما

Then he rose, humbled, shuffling his feet

Having earned humiliation and blame

وفضل الحلم أبلغ في سفيه

وأحرى أن تنال به انتقاما

Forbearance in a fool is most effective

And best for gaining vengeance and acclaim