those who shield their neighbors from foul abuse, who rally in force around any meal set out for a guest;
those who mingle their poor with their wealthy and lavish their bounty on the petitioner;
those who fell the champion—his gleaming horns flashing—with a death-blow that guards the water-holes for the thirsty;
those who cherish their noble steeds, yet dismount to strike at every assailant;
those who cry out together, “Face your equals! Death is stalking the one who stays behind to eat!”
Their eyes narrow at their enemies; they advance like lions beneath a driving downpour.
They are neither cowards nor wavering hearts; when war is ignited, they heap fire upon the blaze.
They live off no one’s charity, and by their patient forbearance they heal the sickness of the ignorant.
They are no mere talkers, and on the day of assembly their spokesman is never faulted for his clear, decisive speech.
These verses are by ʿAmr ibn al-Aṭnān.