معلقة عمرو بن كلثوم ترجمة: محمود عباس مسعود The Muallaqa of Omar Bin Kalthoum Translated by: Mahmoud Abbas Masoud Some Background for the benefit of the English reader: One day, the sixth century King of Hira, Amr Bin Hind, asked if there were anyone, among the entire Arab tribes, whose mother would refuse serving his own mother, Hind. In answer to his question, he was told: “Indeed such a person exists; his name is Amr Bin Kalthoum.” Upon inquiring about the reason, the answer was: “Because he is of royal decent and the scion of noble chiefs and legendary knights.” Presently, the King extended an invitation to Amr Bin Kalthoum and asked that his mother, Layla, also accompany him. Amr accepted the invitation and repaired to Hira, with his mother. Upon arrival, Hind asked Layla to fetch her an article of food, to which Layla commented, “Let those in need of the article fetch it for themselves.” When Hind insisted, Layla screamed, “How humiliating!” Layla’s son heard the remark, drew his sword and severed the head of the king, and spontaneously recited this famous ode, referred to as Muallaqa. The language of the Muallaqa is antiquated; a good part of the expressions used are hard to understand even by Arabic readers. Certain terms used do not readily yield to rendition. Therefore, I have endeavored to render a logical translation, resorting now and then to adding an explanatory word or sentence, that may seem at variance with the original, yet unavoidably necessary to accomplish this task. -Translator's Note أَلاَ هُبِّي بِصَحْنِـكِ فَاصْبَحِينَا وَلاَ تُبْقِي خُمُورَ الأَنْدَرِينَا مُشَعْشَعَةً كَأَنَّ الْحُصَّ فِيهَا إِذَا مَا الْمَاءُ خَالَطَهَا سَخِينَا Arise, from your sleep, Wine Pourer And offer me, this morning, in your large goblet The famous wine of the Andarines Making sure you leave no fine wine un-served!.1 Lo! It sparkles bright As if pure pearls in it placed When with warm water duly mixed.2 تَجُورُ بِذِي اللُّبَانَةِ عَنْ هَوَاهُ إِذَا مَا ذَاقَهَا حَتَّى يَلِيـنَا تَرَى اللَّحِزَ الشَّحِيحَ إِذَا أُمِرَّتْ عَلَيْهِ لِمَالِـهِ فِيهَا مُهِيـنَا It diverts a needy person from his needs Once he tastes of it he forgets his worries Becoming oblivious of his sorrows.3 When offered to an avaricious miser He grows less attached to his money Spending it extravagantly.4 صَبَنْتِ الكَأْسَ عَنَّا أُمَّ عَمْرٍو وَكَانَ الكَأْسُ مَجْرَاهَا الْيَمِينَا وَمَا شَـرُّ الثَّلاَثَةِ أُمَّ عَمْـروٍ بِصَاحِبِكِ الَّذِي لاَ تَصْبَحِينَا You have removed the goblet From me, Umm Amr And reversed its course From right to left, instead.5 I am not the worst of your three companions O Umm Amr! So why have you neglected Offering the morning drink, first to me?6 وَكَأْسٍ قَدْ شَرِبْتُ بِبَعْلَبَـكَّ وَأُخْرَى فِي دِمَشْقَ وَقَاصِرِينَا وَإِنَّا سَوْفَ تُدْرِكُنَا الْمَنَايَـا مُقَـدَّرَةً لَنَـا وَمُقَدَّرِيـنَا I have had a glass of this wine in Baalabak Another in Damascus And still another in Qassirin.7 Death will surely catch up with us For it is our destiny to succumb to death As it is ordained that death should overtake us.8 قِفِي قَبْلَ التَّفَرُّقِ يَا ظَعِينَا نُخَبِّرْكِ الْيَقِيـنَ وَتُخْبِرِينَـا قِفِي نَسْأَلْكِ هَلْ أَحْدَثْتِ صَرْمَاً لِوَشْكِ البَيْنِ أَمْ خُنْتِ الأَمِينَا Halt, O ye who are carried away On the back of a camel Tarry awhile before separation That we may intimately share That which we have both experienced.9 Stop and let me ask you Whether this sudden departure of yours Signifies the severance of our ties Or the betrayal of the trust of your faithful lover.10 بِيَوْمِ كَرِيهَةٍ ضَرْبَاً وَطَعْنَاً أَقَرَّ بِـهِ مَوَالِيـكِ العُيُونَـا وَإِنَّ غَدَاً وَإِنَّ اليَـوْمَ رَهْـنٌ وَبَعْدَ غَدٍ بِمَا لاَ تَعْلَمِينَـا And I will relate to you a memorable day of battle: A day that witnessed gallant thrusts and blows Giving supreme pleasure to your kinsmen For their glorious victory.11 Tomorrow is still in the realm of the unknown Like today and the day after tomorrow You are unaware of the events hidden therein.12 تُرِيكَ إِذَا دَخَلَتْ عَلَى خَلاَءٍ وَقَدْ أَمِنْت عُيُونَ الكَاشِحِينَا ذِرَاعَي عَيْطَلٍ أَدْمَـاءَ بِكْـرٍ هِجَانِ اللَّوْنِ لَمْ تَقْرَأْ جَنِينَا (O, Friend!)When, in privacy, the beloved comes to you And feels protected from enemy’s eyes13 She’ll reveal to you white arms Like the long neck of a healthy, well-padded she camel Who hasn’t yet given birth to a calf.14 وَثَدْيَاً مِثْلَ حُقِّ العَاجِ رَخْصَاً حَصَانَاً مِنْ أَكُفِّ اللاَمِسِينَا وَمَتْنَيْ لَدْنَةٍ سَمَقَتْ وَطَالَـتْ رَوَادِفُهَا تَنُوءُ بِمَا وَلِينَـا And a bosom, soft like an ivory-color sack Well-protected against others’ touch.15 And a tender, tall body Supported by strong legs Its heaviness, notwithstanding.16 وَمأْكَمَةً يَضِيقُ البَابُ عَنْـهَا وَكَشْحَاً قَدْ جُنِنْتُ بِهِ جُنُونَا وَسَارِيَتَيْ بِلَنْـطٍ أَوْ رُخَـامٍ يَرِنُّ خَشَاشُ حَلْيِهِمَا رَنِينَا And she will reveal a portion of her person Too bulky to pass through a door. You will be utterly captivated and fascinated by what you see.17 And she will show you two ivory or alabaster masts And anklets with tinkling and jingling sounds.17 فَمَا وَجَدَتْ كَوَجْدِي أُمُّ سَقْبٍ أَضَلَّتْهُ فَرَجَّعَـتِ الْحَنِيـنَا وَلاَ شَمْطَاءُ لَمْ يَتْرُكْ شَقَاهَا لَهَا مِنْ تِسْعَةٍ إلاَّ جَنِينَا Great was my longing; never experienced Even by a she camel who had lost her calf Expressing her strong persistent yearning With muffled groans.18 Nor a miserable hoary woman Whom death had claimed Her nine children, Ever felt the pangs of separation as do I.19 تَذَكَّرْتُ الصِّبَا وَاشْتَقْتُ لَمَّا رَأَيْتُ حُمُولَهَا أُصُلاً حُدِينَا فَأَعْرَضَتِ اليَمَامَةُ وَاشْمَخَرَّتْ كَأَسْيَافٍ بِأَيْـدِي مُصْلِتِيـنَا I fondly remembered my youthful years And sorely missed my beloved When I saw her camels, prodded on, at eventide.20 I remembered her when the villages of Yamama Imposingly loomed before my eyes Like drawn swords in warrior’s hands.21 أَبَا هِنْدٍ فَلاَ تَعْجَلْ عَلَيْنَا وَأَنْظِرْنَا نُخَبِّـرْكَ اليَقِينَـا بِأَنَّا نُوْرِدُ الرَّايَـاتِ بِيضَـاً وَنُصْدِرُهُنَّ حُمْرَاً قَدْ رَوِينَا Slow down, (King) Aba Hind! Don't behave foolishly toward us! Rather, wait for us to convey an unmistakable truth to you.22 Know that we carry our banners Into battle, stark white And return them reddish-soaked.23 وَأَيَّـامٍ لَنَـا غُـرٍّ طِـوَال عَصَيْنَا المَلْكَ فِيهَا أَنْ نَدِينَا وَسَيِّدِ مَعْشَرٍ قَـدْ تَوَّجُـوهُ بِتَاجِ المُلْكِ يَحْمِي المُحْجَرِينَا And we will relate to you tales of our days of battle Long and mighty, like noble steeds. How we valiantly stood up to powerful kings And refused to bow down to them.24 Many a chief, crowned as royalty by his people Trusted to guard and protect those seeking refuge in him We subdued and severely overwhelmed.25 تَرَكْنَا الْخَيْلَ عَاكِفَةً عَلَيْـهِ مُقَلَّـدَةً أَعِنَّـتَهَا صُفُونَـا وَأَنْزَلْنَا البُيُوتَ بِذِي طُلُوحٍ إِلَى الشَامَاتِ تَنْفِي المُوعِدِينَا We left our horses crowded in on him With their reins to his body tightly tied.26 We pitched our tents in Dhi Tulouh and Shamat And chased away those posing a threat to us.27 وَقَدْ هَرَّتْ كِلاَبُ الحَيِّ مِنَّا وَشَذَّبْنَا قَتَادَةَ مَنْ يَلِيـنَا مَتَى نَنْقُلْ إِلَى قَوْمٍ رَحَانَـا يَكُونُوا فِي اللِّقَاءِ لَهَا طَحِينَا The dogs of the tribe sent forth harsh sounds, Apprehensive of our terrifying sight As we rushed and crushed our attacking opponents.28 When we shift battle into the camp of our adversaries We pound and grind them as a mill grinds wheat Into fine, powdery meal.29 يَكُونُ ثِفَالُهَا شَرْقِـيَّ نَجْـدٍ وَلُهْوَتُهَا قُضَاعَـةَ أَجْمَعِينَا نَزَلْتُمْ مَنْزِلَ الأَضْيَـافِ مِنَّـا فَأَعْجَلْنَا الْقِرَى أَنْ تَشْتِمُونَا Our battle, although East of Najd Will, nevertheless, encompass the entire tribes of Qudha’aa.30 You arrived as guests in our land We hastened to offer you hospitality Lest, with insensitive grossness You speak ill of us.31 قَرَيْنَاكُـمْ فَعَجَّلْنَـا قِرَاكُـمْ قُبَيْلَ الصُّبْحِ مِرْدَاةً طَحُونَا نَعُمُّ أُنَاسَنَا وَنَعِـفُّ عَنْهُمْ وَنَحْمِلُ عَنْهُمُ مَا حَمَّلُونَا Promptly, we proffered you hospitality Early in the morning, lest you revile us For denying you cordial reception.32 We extend our boons to our friends Spare their property And shoulder the burden they place upon us.33 نُطَاعِنُ مَا تَرَاخَى النَّاسُ عَنَّا وَنَضْرِبُ بِالسِّيُوفِ إِذَا غُشِينَا بِسُمْرٍ مِنْ قَنَا الخَطِّـيِّ لُـدْنٍ ذَوَابِلَ أَوْ بِبِيضٍ يَخْتَلِينَـا We fight on, even when allies abandon us Leaving us alone in the battle. When attacked, we smite the enemy With our swords.34 Yea, we inflict heavy blows With long, flexible spears And strike with shiny, cutting swords.35 كأّنَّ جَمَاجِمَ الأَبْطَالِ فِيـهَا وُسُوقٌ بِالأَمَاعِـزِ يَرْتَمِينَـا نَشُقُّ بِهَا رُؤُوسَ القَـوْمِ شَقًّـاً وَنَخْتَلِبُ الرِّقَـابَ فَتَخْتَلِينَ Behold the skulls of heroic warriors Strewn above the battleground As if camel-loads had fallen And scattered, on rocky land.36 We cleave the enemies’ heads with sharp instruments And reach for necks that yield to us.37 وَإِنَّ الضِّغْنَ بَعْدَ الضِّغْنِ يَبْدُو عَلَيْكَ وَيُخْرِجُ الدَّاءَ الدَّفِينَا وَرِثْنَا المَجْدَ قَدْ عَلِمَتْ مَعَـدٌّ نُطَاعِنُ دُونَـهُ حَتَّى يَبِينَا One grudge after another, in you are now revealed Hidden malignant disease comes to the fore.38 We have inherited glory, as Maad knows full well We fight for our honor until it stands, to all, revealed.39 وَنَحْنُ إِذَا عِمَادُ الحَيِّ خَرَّتْ عَنِ الأَحْفَاضِ نَمْنَعُ مَنْ يَلِينَا نَجُذُّ رُؤُوسَهُمْ فِي غَيْرِ بِـرٍّ فَمَا يَدْرُونَ مَاذَا يَتَّقُونَـا When pillars collapse and tents fall down Off camels’ backs, or on household articles We give protection to those who seek refuge in us.40 We ruthlessly chop off the enemies’ heads Rendering them perplexed as to what to save From our overwhelming violent attacks.41 كَأَنَّ سُيُوفَنَا فِيـنَا وَفِيهِـمْ مَخَارِيقٌ بِأَيْـدِي لاَعِبِينَـا كَأَنَّ ثِيَابَنَا مِنَّـا وَمِنْهُـمْ خُضِبْنَ بِأُرْجُوَانٍ أَوْ طُلِينَـا Our swords and theirs were easy to wield As if wooden, intended for sport.42 Our clothes and theirs red-dyed As if violet-drenched, purple-stained.43 إِذَا مَا عَيَّ بِالإِسْنَافِ حَـيٌّ مِنَ الهَوْلِ المُشَبَّهِ أَنْ يَكُونَا نَصَبْنَا مِثْلَ رَهْوَةَ ذَاتَ حَـدٍّ مُحَافَظَةً وَكُنَّـا السَّابِقِينَـا When a tribe falters and apprehends advancement, Fearful of what formidable dread may befall44 We stand resolute and press forward, undeterred In protection of our prestige and honor And score victory on the opponent.45 بِشُبَّانٍ يَرَوْنَ القَتْلَ مَجْـدَاً وَشِيبٍ فِي الحُرُوبِ مُجَرَّبِينَا حُدَيَّا النَّاسِ كُلِّهِمُ جَمِيعَـاً مُقَارَعَةً بَنِيهِمْ عَنْ بَنِينَـا With young men who deem killing glorious And battle-seasoned, gray-haired adults.46 We challenge, without exception, all people And fight to protect our children Against the onslaught of insidious foes.47 فَأَمَّا يَوْمَ خَشْيَـتِنَا عَلَيْهِمْ فَتُصْبِحُ خَيْلُنَا عُصَبَاً ثُبِينَـا وَأَمَّا يَوْمَ لاَ نَخْشَى عَلَيْهِـمْ فَنُمْعِنُ غَـارَةً مُتَلَبِّـبِينَا When we fear for our children’s safety Our horses gallop in scores to foil the enemy’s attempts.48 And when there is no reason for us to worry about them We raid the enemy’s camp, armed to the hilt.49 بِرَأْسٍ مِنْ بَنِي جُشَمِ بن بَكْـرٍ نَدُقُّ بِهِ السُّهُولَـةَ وَالحُزُونَا أَلاَ لاَ يَعْلَمُ الأَقْـوَامُ أَنَّـا تَضَعْضَعْنَا وَأَنَّـا قَدْ وَنِينَـا We charge them with a veteran chief from the tribe Of Jashm Bin Bakr, as our hero Defeating, alike, the weak and the strong.50 Let not the enemy think we are shaken Nor fancy our resolve weakened.51 أَلاَ لاَ يَجْهَلَنْ أَحَـدٌ عَلَيْنَا فَنَجْهَلَ فَوْقَ جَهْلِ الجَاهِلِينَا بِأَيِّ مَشِيئَةٍ عَمْرَو بْنَ هِنْـدٍ نَكُونُ لِقَيْلِكُمْ فِيهَا قَطِينَـا Let no one feign ignorance, tackling us Lest we feign greater ignorance, tackling him.52 By whose authoritative decree, O Amr Bin Hind Are we made servants to your appointed sovereigns?53 بِأَيِّ مَشِيئَةٍ عَمْرَو بْنَ هِنْـدٍ تُطِيْعُ بِنَا الوُشَاةَ وَتَزْدَرِينَا تَهَـدَّدْنَا وَأَوْعِـدْنَا رُوَيْـدَاً مَتَى كُنَّا لأُمِّكَ مَقْتَوِينَـا And by whose authoritative decree, O Amr Bin Hind You listen to slanderers and treat us with flagrant contempt?54 You portend and threaten us; it behooves you To abandon your warnings. Since when have we been made Servants to your mother?55 فَإِنَّ قَنَاتَـنَا يَا عَمْرُو أَعْيَتْ عَلَى الأَعْدَاءِ قَبَلَكَ أَنْ تَلِينَا إِذَا عَضَّ الثِّقَافُ بِهَا اشْمَأَزَّتْ وَوَلَّتْـهُ عَشَـوْزَنَةً زَبُونَـا Know O Amr that our resolve is firm And our will is strong. Enemies tried before you to break our will But their attempts were all in vain.56 Likewise, our spears are unbendable They are well-tempered, hardened and capable Of striking and withstanding severe blows.57 عَشَوْزَنَةً إِذَا انْقَلَبَتْ أَرَنَّـتْ تَشُجُّ قَفَا المُثَقَّفِ وَالجَبِينَـا فَهَلْ حُدِّثْتَ فِي جُشَمِ بْنِ بَكْرٍ بِنَقْصٍ فِي خُطُوبِ الأَوَّلِينَا Our firm spear, gives forth a clear resonant sound When someone tries to tamper and tinker with it Harshly splitting, as a result, the head and forehead of the tamperer.58 Were you ever told that the Jushm Bin Bakr tribe Lacked bravery in bygone days Or shirked battle obligations?59 وَرِثْنَا مَجْدَ عَلْقَمَةَ بْنِ سَيْفٍ أَبَاحَ لَنَا حُصُونَ المَجْدِ دِينَا وَرِثْتُ مُهَلْهِلاً وَالخَيْرَ مِنْـهُ زُهَيْرَاً نِعْمَ ذُخْرُ الذَّاخِرِينَا We have inherited the glory of Alqama Bin Saif, who have paved The road to victory before us.60 I have inherited the great honor of Muhlhal And that of Zuhair’s, who is Greater than Muhalha, and whose mere name is Precious possession, distinct merit.61 وَعَتَّـابَاً وَكُلْثُـومَاً جَمِيعَـاً بِهِمْ نِلْنَا تُرَاثَ الأَكْرَمِينَا وَذَا البُرَةِ الذِي حُدِّثْتَ عَنْـهُ بِهِ نُحْمَى وَنَحْمِي المُحْجَرِينَا We have also inherited the glory of Itab and Kalthoum Who bequeathed to us the heritage of the noble chiefs.62 And the glory of the Burrah, whom you have heard of Whose name we take for our protection And the protection of those who seek us For immunity from all harm.63 وَمِنَّا قَبْلَـهُ السَّاعِي كُلَيْـبٌ فَأَيُّ المَجْدِ إِلاَّ قَدْ وَلِينَـا مَتَى نَعْقِدْ قَرِينَـتَنَا بِحَبْـلٍ تَجُذُّ الحَبْلَ أَوْ تَقْصِ القَرِينَا And prior to him, the glory and the eminence of Kulaib Indeed, we have embraced, and basked in, every glory.64 When our she camel is tied to another, by rope She will either cut off the rope Or sever the head of the other she camel.65 وَنُوجَدُ نَحْنُ أَمْنَعَهُمْ ذِمَارَاً وَأَوْفَاهُمْ إِذَا عَقَدُوا يَمِينَا وَنَحْنُ غَدَاةَ أُوقِدَ فِي خَزَازَى رَفَدْنَا فَوْقَ رَفْدِ الرَّافِدِينَا You will find us to be most reliable As allies and keepers of faith.66 When war broke out in Khazazi We were there to lend our unequalled support.67 وَنَحْنُ الحَابِسُونَ بِذِي أَرَاطَى تَسَفُّ الجِلَّةُ الخُورُ الدَّرِينَـا وَنَحْنُ الحَاكِمُونَ إِذَا أُطِعْـنَا وَنَحْنُ العَازِمُونَ إِذَا عُصِينَا We have stood firm in the Arati land To help defend and protect our people Until our old camels consumed Dried grass and prickly shrubs.68 When obeyed, we rule justly And when rebelled against We deal severely with those who disobey us.69 وَنَحْنُ التَّارِكُونَ لِمَا سَخِطْنَا وَنَحْنُ الآخِذُونَ بِمَا رَضِينَا وَكُنَّا الأَيْمَنِينَ إِذَا التَقَـيْنَا وَكَانَ الأَيْسَرِينَ بَنُو أَبِينَـا We discard and disregard that which Displeases us, and take unto ourselves That which makes us glad and contented.70 فَصَالُوا صَوْلَةً فِيْمَنْ يَلِيهِـمْ وَصُلْنَا صَوْلَةً فِيْمَنْ يَلِينَـا فَآبُوا بِالنِّهَـابِ وَبِالسَّبَايَـا وَأُبْنَـا بِالمُلُـوكِ مُصَفَّدِينَا They waged a war against their opponents We fought a battle against our adversaries.71 They returned with booty and prisoners We returned with kings, fettered in chains and shackles.72 إِلَيْكُمْ يَا بَنِي بَكْرٍ إِلَيْكُـمْ أَلَمَّا تَعْرِفُوا مِنَّـا اليَقِينَـا أَلَمَّا تَعْلَمُوا مِنَّـا وَمِنْكُـمْ كَتَائِبَ يَطَّعِنَّ وَيَرْتَمِينَـا Get away, Bani Bakr, do get away, depart! Haven’t you learned the truth about us?73 Have our warring battalions and yours Not taught you a lesson respecting us? 74 عَلَيْنَا البَيْضُ وَاليَلَبُ اليَمَانِي وَأسْيَافٌ يَقُمْنَ وَيَنْحَنِينَـا عَلَيْنَا كُـلُّ سَابِغَـةٍ دِلاَصٍ تَرَى فَوْقَ النِّطَاقِ لَهَا غُضُوناً We don, beneath white cloaks, protective shields Of hide strips made And flourishingly brandish swords and scimitars.75 We put on every bright and accommodatingly defensive covering When closely observed, wavelike curves are discerned.76 إِذَا وُضِعَتْ عَنِ الأَبْطَالِ يَوْمَاً رَأَيْتَ لَهَا جُلُودَ القَوْمِ جُونَا كَأَنَّ غُضُونَهُنَّ مُتُونُ غُـدْرٍ تُصَفِّقُهَا الرِّيَاحُ إِذَا جَرَيْنَا When taken off heroes, You notice their skins turned black Due to prolong wearing.78 Their undulations resemble a pond’s surface When wind plays over it, creating waves.79 وَتَحْمِلُنَا غَدَاةَ الرَّوْعِ جُـرْدٌ عُرِفْنَ لَنَا نَقَائِذَ وَافْتُلِينَـا وَرَدْنَ دَوَارِعاً وَخَرَجْنَ شُعْثَاً كَأَمْثَالِ الرَّصَائِعِ قَدْ بَلِينَا In time of dread, shorthaired horses carry us And deliver us from our adversaries.80 They charge the battleground, richly caparisoned And depart, disheveled, completely exhausted, without saddles Like worn-out ropes.81 وَرِثْنَاهُنَّ عَنْ آبَـاءِ صِـدْقٍ وَنُـورِثُهَا إِذَا مُتْنَا بَنِينَـا عَلَى آثَارِنَا بِيضٌ حِسَـانٌ نُحَاذِرُ أَنْ تُقَسَّمَ أَوْ تَهُونَا We have inherited them from our credible fathers And when we die, likewise we bequeath them to our sons.82 When we engage in battle, we are mindful Of our beautiful, white-skinned women behind us We do our utmost to protect them Lest they be captured, humiliated, And divided amongst the enemy.83 أَخَذْنَ عَلَى بُعُولَتِهِنَّ عَهْـدَاً إِذَا لاَقَوْا كَتَائِبَ مُعْلِمِينَا لَيَسْتَلِبُـنَّ أَفْرَاسَـاً وَبِيضَـاً وَأَسْرَى فِي الحَدِيدِ مُقَرَّنِينَا They have vowed loyalty to their husbands That when enemy battalions attack They will distinguish themselves by visible marks.84 So that our men plunder the enemy’s horses Swords, and take prisoners, iron-shackled.85 تَرَانَا بَارِزِينَ وَكُـلُّ حَـيٍّ قَدِ اتَّخَذُوا مَخَافَتَنَا قَرِينَا إِذَا مَا رُحْنَ يَمْشِينَ الهُوَيْنَا كَمَا اضْطَرَبَتْ مُتُونُ الشَّارِبِينَا We openly walk the open spaces While tribes huddle with each other Fearful of us.86 When our women walk about casually They move in a swaggering gait As the inebriated are known to walk.87 يَقُتْنَ جِيَادَنَـا وَيَقُلْنَ لَسْتُـمْ بُعُولَتَنَا إِذَا لَمْ تَمْنَعُونَـا ظَعَائِنَ مِنْ بَنِي جُشَمِ بْنِ بَكْرٍ خَلَطْنَ بِمِيسَمٍ حَسَبَاً وَدِينَا They feed our horses and declare: You are not our husbands If you fail to protect us.88 They are the noble lineage of Jashm and Bakr Combining in their character Nobility of birth and religious reverence.89 وَمَا مَنَعَ الظَّعَائِنَ مِثْلُ ضَرْبٍ تَرَى مِنْهُ السَّوَاعِدَ كَالقُلِينَا كَأَنَّا وَالسُّيُـوفُ مُسَلَّـلاَتٌ وَلَدْنَا النَّاسَ طُرَّاً أَجْمَعِينَا Nothing protect women from being Taken prisoner, save sword strikes That sever the arms of would be capturers.90 When we draw our swords We feel we are the fathers And the entire mankind our children In need or our protection.91 يُدَهْدُونَ الرُّؤُوسَ كَمَا تُدَهْدَي حَزَاوِرَةٌ بِأَبْطَحِهَا الكُرِينَـا وَقَدْ عَلِمَ القَبَائِلُ مِنْ مَعَـدٍّ إِذَا قُبَبٌ بِأَبْطَحِهَا بُنِينَا We roll peers' heads on the ground As tough and rough children roll play stones.92 The Maad tribes will take notice When we pitch our tents On level land, in plain country As they stand revealed, for all to behold.93 بِأَنَّا المُطْعِمُـونَ إِذَا قَدَرْنَـا وَأَنَّا المُهْلِكُونَ إِذَا ابْتُلِينَـا وَأَنَّـا المَانِعُـونَ لِمَا أَرَدْنَـا وَأَنَّا النَّازِلُونَ بِحَيْثُ شِينَـا And they know that we offer hospitality Even to those we subdue and vanquish And destroy our enemies if they try and test our patience.94 We deny people that which we deem ours And camp, unopposed, in whatever land We choose for our dwelling.95 وَأَنَّا التَارِكُونَ إِذَا سَخِطْنَـا وَأَنَّا الآخِذُونَ إِذَا رَضِينَـا وَأَنَّا العَاصِمُونَ إِذَا أُطِعْـنَا وَأَنَّـا العَازِمُونَ إِذَا عُصِينَا We are capable of letting free whomever we capture Without asking for ransom Accepting gifts only from those Toward whom we are kindly disposed.96 We protect those who obey us And deal firmly with those who disobey.97 وَنَشْرَبُ إِنْ وَرَدْنَا المَاءَ صَفْواً وَيَشْرَبُ غَيْرُنَا كَدِرَاً وَطِيـنَا أَلاَ أَبْلِغْ بَنِي الطَّمَّاحِ عَـنَّا وَدُعْمِيَّاً فَكَيْفَ وَجَدْتُـمُونَا When seeking out water sources We drink clear and clean water While others drink water mixed With mud, tainted with impurities.98 Do inquire of the Tammah and Du'mmay tribes about us Ask them how did they find us: cowards or brave?99 إِذَا مَا المَلْكُ سَامَ النَّاسَ خَسْفَاً أَبَيْنَا أَنْ نُقِرَّ الذُّلَّ فِينَـا مَلأْنَا البَرَّ حَتَّى ضَاقَ عَنَّـا وَمَاءَ البَحْرِ نَمْلَؤُهُ سَفِيـنَا When a king abusively treats his subjects We reject humiliation and disdain defeat.100 We have filled the land with our homes Until there is no more room to contain us And we are capable of filling the sea With boats if we so desire. 101 إِذَا بَلَغَ الفِطَـامَ لَنَـا صَبِيٌّ تَخِرُّ لَـهُ الجَبَابِرُ سَاجِدِينَـا As soon as a boy of ours is weaned The mighty and powerful Bow down to him on hands and knees.102 |