Ode LXXVIII: I have made ready Sabhah for

I have made ready Sabhah for action, now that she has attained her sixth year, and I have clad myself in the armament of a man of good judgement who endures hardship patiently.

Ye cannot join together love of me and anger with me— unless two swords can be brought together in one sheath.

Nu'man ! verily thou art a traitor and a cheat : thy inward mind hides a purpose other than that which thou showest forth.

And if thou thinkest of stripping the bark off our tamarisk-tree, try it, then, if thou art obstinate in thy purpose !

That we are proud, and draw our origin from a glorious stock, forbids us [to abase ourselves before thee].

If thou in thy folly attackest our kinsmen, thou shalt find squadrons of horsemen galloping to defend us.

Didst thou fancy that we were flesh set forth on a board, or think that we should not defend ourselves in time of trouble ?

Thou didst practise deceit, trampling on our faces ; and the deceit in thee was a sign of thy purpose ;

And thou didst brandish thy sword as though thou wouldst bring war upon us. Look to thy sword ! whom dost thou mean to slay with it ?

Thou tookest in hand a task suited only to a prudent warrior, whilst thou wast distraught, a man destroyed by what he plotted ;

And now in sooth the way is light before thee, and the paths for thee to tread are manifest, and guidance helps thee on.