1. I asked the ruins about their beauty
And lines worn down by the passage of time

2. Awakening longing with their faded art
And how could this mute question not excite?

3. They walk with the gait of sand grouse in love
Bellies swaying beneath their flowing robes.

4. Their glances pierce hearts, yet nothing is seen
But a passion slain by no arrow.

5. The talk of every lovely maid is sweet
Neither coarse nor pretentious.

6. Her wildest ways, when you meet her,
Are but household tasks or children's games.

7. And her spittle, when she wakes, is like
Honey or the juice of ripe dates.

8. When they come to visit, their steps seem to lift
From the mud as if on wings.

9. For fifteen pilgrimages he led armies
While his sons were busy with their own affairs

10. Their worries and concerns absorbed them
As did the plans of kings and deeds of heroes.

11. And so al-Muhalhil lived among them
Baring his grinned teeth, a model to all

12. In his fist were the poems of every poet
On the day of boasting and clash of swords.

13. Whenever I weigh you against that band
And weigh them against you, alone,