1. A sheikh to us from Baghdad's sheikhs
Indulged in vain amusements galore

2. Refined in nature and speech, he turned
A frequenter of every hospital ward

3. His turban rumbles beneath his cowl
When clanging with coins it's adorned

4. A pimp for his brethren, should they thirst
He offers wine, poured without accord

5. On the riverbank he owns a room
That gathered each debauched wretch of Baghdad

6. Prepared for them the innkeeper's daughter
Plump of hip and loose daughter of taverns

7. And a brandy-nosed wench of Saba Qutrubbul
And a hussy of vinegar-sellers from Kallawaz

8. He says to the intimate visitor:
"Is this sweeter or is it that?"

9. A poet whose words are pure treasure
A king, yet careless and negligent

10. His words are as if they are gentle wine
Of choicest ruby Tokay

11. That wards off any trace of his vileness
Though it be torment like aloe's acrid taste

12. How many hearts in Iraq groaning
And others across the Gulf wailing

13. Say to Ali, whom the wanton Ghadiya served
Her bowl brimming, droplets spraying

14. The best thing about him is he's a man
Who serves me, and he is my teacher

15. When he feels frisky, his fingers come
To spread wide my thighs for pleasure