Ode XCIII: Many the host of horse, far-spreading

Many the host of horse, far-spreading like birds in flight, have I stayed on its way down to battle, what time the faint-heart shouts his name and lineage, but turns aside himself from the fight —

Mounted thereon warriors clad in iron — some of them the hunted of the spear-points, others the hunters thereof :

In knots dispersed they dart upon the pasturing herds, as though, when they came down into the low hollows, they were pursuing hounds.

I give my friends to taste of my gentleness and my guarding care : but oft-times my enemies, though they be far away, plain sorely over my doings.

And many the seeker for vengeance on whom I have dealt a grievous blow, and have outstripped his pursuit : though he sped after me with his utmost speed, he could not overtake me ;

He looks upon me, when I meet him face to face, with terror, and he turns away his eyes from the sight of me, with a face changed in colour [through fear].

And well do men know that my stock is exalted high, what time the heights of glory are recounted among them.

And many the adversary round whom I have left the ravens hopping, with the blood of his belly drying upon him in a red stain ;

The spear-head stuffed his body, then he fell prone on his nose, as the growing boy throws on its side the sharp-edged ankle-bone.

And many the night-wanderer has bent his steps to me for a lodging, what time in all the tribe other helpers were few indeed ;

And I said to him — 'Thou hast come to thine own folk, to a level and broad place ! ' and I entertained him nobly, so that in the morning he went forth loud in my praise.

And I am not one who strives to shield himself from harm, but I stand forth in defence of the tribe where its bulwark is weak.

And if there be in Tamim any glory, it is Nahshal and 'Utarid, the lofty, that lift me high,

And the joint stock which they have begotten among the race of Sa'd and Malik : but some of the fire-sticks of the tribe fail to light and are nothing worth.

And whoso attains to fame among men, verily he is one who has observed the truth of all that I have said, and can bear witness to it.