نُبِّئتُ أَنَّ رِجالاً خافَ بَعضُهُمُ

شَتمي وَما كُنتُ لِلأَقوامِ شَتّاما

I was informed that some men feared

My insults, yet I do not insult people

فَإِن يَكونوا بَراءً لا تُطِف بِهِم

مِنّي شَكاةٌ وَلا أَسمِعهُمُ ذاما

If they are innocent, do not blame them

I have no complaint against them, nor do I hear their blame

وَإِن يَحينوا أَقُل قَولاً لَهُ أَثَرٌ

باقٍ يُعَنّي قَراطيساً وَأَقلاما

And if they speak, I say little in response

That remains, concerning papers and pens