1. زَعَمَ الأَميرُ أَبو المُغيرَةِ إِنَّني

    شَيخٌ كَبيرٌ قَد دَنَوتُ مِنَ البِلى

    The emir Abu al-Mughira claimed that I

    am an old man, advanced in years, already nearing decay.

  2. صَدَقُ الأَميرُ لَقَد كَبرتُ وَإِنَّما

    نالَ المَكارِمَ مَن يَدُبُّ عَلى العَصا

    The emir spoke the truth: I have indeed grown old, and only

    he who shuffles along with a staff has attained noble distinction.

  3. يابا المُغيرَةِ رُبَّ أَمرٍ مُبهَمٍ

    فَرَّجتُهُ بِالحَزمِ مِنّي وَالدَّها

    O Abu al-Mughira, many an obscure matter

    I have unraveled with my sound judgment and shrewdness.