أَسَدٌ فِي اللِّقَاءِ وَرْدٌ هَمُوسٌ وَرَبِيعٌ إِنْ شَمَّرَتْ غَبْرَاءُ
Meaning: In combat he was like a tawny, soft-footed lion; when a harsh season of scarcity arose, he became like spring to the people.
Asadun conveys courage; wardun describes a reddish or tawny shade and hamūsun soft, subdued movement. In contrast, rabīʿun presents spring as a figure for provision during scarcity.
One man is likened to a lion in battle and to spring in want. The rhetorical contrast balances force with generosity. The expression in shammarat ghabrāʾ evokes a grim year through vivid imagery.