1. Do you suppose Ḥamūla does not burden himself

    with reforming Ibn ʿAbd al-Wāḥid’s ruined woman?

  2. He led men to the household, and never doubted

    that the pimp earns a commander’s reward.

  3. His trade proved profitable, so he closed his eye

    to what the diligent, sincere adviser’s eye sees.

  4. Wretched is the man trusted to protect the girl,

    and relied upon to set a corrupt affair right.

  5. And I marveled at Ibn al-Mazrubān and his denying

    me credit for my worthy actions and presence.

  6. He never ceases, even though I love him,

    to wrong me, whether by mistake or on purpose.

  7. You squandered a friendship with me, whose preservation

    humbles the foe and rubs the envier’s nose in dust.

  8. You tower in pride, as though you were Ṣāʿid,

    or a man of noble deeds among Ṣāʿid’s two sons.

  9. I take in your place—you are not my only one—

    a substitute; so draw near in fairness, or keep away.

  10. And know that you are one among a number

    that has grown large, while I am one of one.

Sol 6.1