Sol 6

  1. By your life, Ḥirāḍ did not grieve for his mother’s son,

    standing through half his share of the watch.

  2. The night’s struggle lasted longer than he had expected,

    so he slept; and this other one slept, feeling safe from attack.

  3. What a plan delayed for you! Thumāmah was slow to pursue it,

    watching over it as he crouched upon his sword.

  4. A lion crept toward him, stealthily stalking his shadow,

    with a keen sword of gleaming steel in his hand.

  5. He placed the sword’s edge in the path of his adversary’s return,

    then turned back, matching his steps, while the figure stood upright.

  6. He returned to a counseling heart, and it reproached him;

    from deep within that heart came the sincere reproacher.

  7. It said to him: ‘Return and soothe a soul; do not be

    suspicious of it or reproach its resolve.’

  8. Then, when he made out the other’s figure, he struck him

    with a blow of vengeance that firm resolve did not betray.

  9. So both died, brought down by an unwary moment; and for one who seeks

    death, no protective amulets are strung.

Sol 6