1. The virtuous sheikh yearned for me and came to me
With the sun before the sun, followed by the star

2. Having let down their beards and dressed
In the finest garments with ornamented hems and embroidery

3. And the tribe of Abdan came galloping as though
They had a share in the eternity I gained from Aden

4. And Abu Al-Fadl the Trustworthy and his servant came
Like two wolves, emaciated and ill

5. And the sun of the faith hastened, eager
With bundles on his shoulder of Adam’s loot

6. Hordes, if the dam stood against them
A tear in its wall would show from their throng

7. They seek my bread though the stars are beyond them
Their minds have strayed far from reason and sense

8. Do they not know that the gnat cannot see
My food, and for the mouse with me there is plenty