إِذا أَرَدتَ اللَيِّنَ الأَشَدّا

مِنَ الرِجالِ فَعَلَيكَ سَعدا

If you want the softest of men—the fiercest

Of men, then take Sa'd as a warrior;

سَعدَ بنَ زَيدٍ فَاِتَّخِذهُ جُندا

لَيسَ بِخَوّارٍ يَهِدُّ هَدّا

Sa'd the son of Zayd, make him your soldier—

He is no coward who leaves others exposed.

لَيسَ يَرى مِن ضَربِ كَبشٍ بُدّا

He does not flinch at the blow of a ram.