Al-Ḥārith accompanies the elder on his departure, showing him the respect due to an old acquaintance. Yet he also questions the rejection of the governor's offer; after such public recognition, the office appears attractive from the narrator's perspective.
«فَأَعْرَضَ مُتَبَسِّمًا وَأَنْشَدَ مُتَرَنِّمًا»
He turned away smiling and recited melodiously.
Mutabassiman / mutaranniman are circumstantial accusatives describing the manner of his response. Instead of entering an argument, the elder uses a short poem to explain his preference.