1. It takes us swiftly,
Or slowly if it wishes,

2. And strives with eager striving
Without heart or mind;

3. And it walks in the slimy depths
Crawling in the sand;

4. It frowns not out of grief
Nor laughs at the easy path.

5. It has refused to recognize complaint
Of roving or halt;

6. Now on the edge of the billows
To the dimness it makes clear,

7. And at times whispers to it
The hill-ashes in union;

8. And now and then it slackens its pace
Still in the shade;

9. And round about it for the waves
The roar of the lion with cubs.

10. We rode it while the flame
Of passion within it burned hot.

11. By God, that even a ship like me
Is bewildered by it.

12. So wonder not if one like me
Is astonished at its ways,

13. For I know no ride
Save horses and camels.

14. And till now I never knew
That the hill-ash was made to carry me.

15. We left Ghadah of the East
For Lebanon of Distinction.

16. From a home to a home,
And from family to family.