In the name of the Lord of both wisdom and mind

To nothing sublimer can thought way find

I heard that in the days of Hatem

Among his horses was one swift as smoke.

With the speed of the morning breeze, the thunder of a dark horse's neigh

That would surpass even lightning.

So swiftly it scattered dew on mountains and plains

You would say it was the passing of the April cloud.

A swift traveler of the plains, like a flood

That the wind would lag behind it like dust.

From the descriptions of Hatem in every land

Some spoke to the Sultan of Rome.

That there is no man equal to him in generosity

Just as there is no horse like his in racing and battle.

A traveler of the deserts like a ship on water

That an eagle could not fly above its journey.

By the wise counsel, thus said the king

That a claim is shameful without proof.

I will ask Hatem for that Arabian horse

If he shows generosity and gives it.

I will know that in him is true greatness

And if he refuses, it is an empty boast.

He sent a skilled messenger, knowledgeable in traveling

And dispatched ten men with him.

The land was barren and the clouds weeping over it

The morning breeze had once again breathed life into it.

They arrived at Hatem's dwelling

And rested like a thirsty one at a flowing river.

He spread a feast and slaughtered a horse

He gave them sugar by the handful and gold by the fist.

They stayed there that night, and the next day

The messenger related what he knew (his mission).

In the name of the Lord of both wisdom and mind

To nothing sublimer can thought way find

Hatem, distraught like a drunkard, kept saying

And bit his hand out of regret with his teeth.

That, 'O fortunate, well-reputed Mobad (priest/wise man)'

Why did you not tell me the message before?'

I had that swift-as-wind, swift-paced Duldul (horse)

Roasted for you last night.

For I knew that because of the terrible rain and flood

It was not possible to go to the grazing pasture.

There was no other way for me

Except for him, there was nothing else at my gate.

I did not consider it chivalrous in my custom

For a guest to sleep with a heart wounded by hunger.

I want my name to be known throughout the land

Let there be no other famous steed.

I gave people money, robes of honor, and horses

Good morals are natural, not acquired.

The news of the generosity of the Ta'i youth reached Rome

They praised his nature a thousand times.

Do not be satisfied with Hatem with this point

Hear a story better than this.