1. I sought the auspices of Sa'd Allah in his name,
Yet I did not attain Sa'd Allah's favor, had I any wisdom.

2. And I said "A youth from cultured Doha,
Whose branch is similar in fragrance and origin."

3. Yet I did not know that the Armenian woman was his wet nurse,
And in Armenian women are impurity and stinginess.

4. I cling to him like an apostate clinging to religion,
I devote myself to him; my occupation, apart from his occupation, an occupation.

5. I go to him in peace and take lunch
At his door while the day is still an infant.

6. Yet I am nothing but one taking shade beneath a hut
Of thorns, in it no harvest for me, nor shade.