1. My beloved sulked and turned away,
Withholding her provision from this traveller.

2. In her ignorance she does not know
That I can do without an unfaithful companion.

3. My mounts are docile, wherever I desire to go,
For I am the finest of riders in unwary lands.

4. O Sulayma, how little you know
Of the charms of a tent-dwelling beauty,

5. As graceful as a young wild cow.
I spent the night as her lover, drinking

6. A potion of pure, clarified coffee,
So translucent that one could see

7. The bottom of the cup shining through it.
My camel’s mirage-like image floats

8. Above the dunes in shifting hues.
My beasts’ saddles seem as though

9. Their padding slipped off the back of a restive camel.
We will eat dried meat with fresh bread

10. And drink sweet cool water from a leather bag.
I am one who, when people gather,

11. Begins with devotion to God, then to his fellow man,
Who prevents his neighbors from shameful acts

12. And urges generosity to the guest,
Who mixes rich and poor in friendship

13. And gives generously to those who ask.
Who strikes the ram whose gushing white semen

14. Flows like milk into the birthing maid’s pail,
Who races his steeds down the battle line

15. And follows up the charge by thrusting with his spear,
Who overtakes the foe on his swift courser’s back

16. And descends upon each camp of the enemy,
Who says to his comrades: seize your equals,

17. For death comes stalking behind the deluded.
They have eyes that dart towards their enemies

18. While they advance with a lion’s stride into the fray.
When the fires of war are kindled, they do not waver or weaken,

19. Rather they ignite their own raging inferno.
Confident in their cause, they do not falter;

20. Their dreams cure the ignorance of the foolish.
And they say: do not reproach our eloquent orator

21. On the day of assembly and conclusive proof.
They are not disgraced, nor do they stray