In the name of the Lord of both wisdom and mind

To nothing sublimer can thought way find

I don't know who told me this story

That there was a commander in Yemen.

He seized the ball of fortune from the famous ones

For there was no one like him in dispensing treasure.

One could call him a cloud of generosity

For his hand scattered dirhams like rain.

No one would mention Hatem's name before him

Without causing him great distress (literally: madness to rise to his head).

Why so much talk of that boaster

Who has neither kingdom, nor command, nor treasure.

I heard that he held a royal feast

And entertained a crowd like a harp in that gathering.

Someone opened the door to mentioning Hatem

And another began to praise him.

Envy made the man bear malice in his heart

And he appointed someone to shed his blood.

That as long as Hatem is in my time

My name will not become known for goodness.

The trouble seeker took the path of the Bani Tayy (Hatem's tribe)

And set out to kill the generous man.

A young man came to meet him on the way

From whom he sensed a feeling of intimacy.

Handsome, wise, and sweet-tongued

He took him as his guest that night.

He showed generosity, cared for him, and apologized (for any shortcomings)

And stole the ill-wisher's heart with kindness.

At dawn, he kissed his hands and feet

Asking him to stay with them for a few days.

He said, 'I cannot stay here'

For I have a great task ahead of me.'

He said, 'If you confide in me'

I will strive with all my heart like a true friend.'

He said, 'Listen to me, O generous man'

For I know that a generous man keeps secrets.'

Perhaps you know Hatem in this land

Who is of blessed opinion and good character?

The King of Yemen has demanded his head

I don't know what grudge has arisen between them!

If you guide me to where he is

This is what I expect from your kindness, my friend.'

In the name of the Lord of both wisdom and mind

To nothing sublimer can thought way find

The young man smiled and said, 'I am Hatem'

'Now sever my head from my body with your sword.'

It should not be that when morning dawns

Harm befalls you or you become hopeless.

When Hatem offered his head in generosity

The young man cried out from his heart.

He fell to the ground and then leaped to his feet

At times he kissed the ground, and at times his feet and hands.

He threw down his sword and quiver

And raised his hands like the helpless.

That if I were to inflict any harm upon you

I would be striking a man, not among men (I would be a disgrace).

He kissed his eyes and embraced him

And from there he took the road to Yemen.

The king, seeing the man's demeanor

Immediately realized that he had not accomplished his mission.

He said, 'Come, what news do you have?'

Why did you not tie his head to your saddle-strap?

Did perhaps a famous warrior attack you?

And you could not withstand the fight due to weakness?

The swift young man kissed the ground

And praised the king and showed respect.

That I found Hatem, the seeker of fame (through generosity)

Skilled, with a pleasant appearance and a handsome face.

I saw him as generous and wise

I saw him above myself in manliness.

His immense kindness doubled my burden (of gratitude)

He killed me with the sword of kindness and grace.

He told what he had seen of his generosities

The king praised the family of Tayy.

He gave the messenger a generous amount of dirhams

Which is a seal upon the name of Hatem's generosity.

It is fitting that they bear witness for him

That his actions and his reputation go together.