1. The water plays like snakes, its waves
And ships in it are scorpion tails
١. الماءُ يَلعَبُ كالأراقمِ مَوجُه
والسُّفْنُ بالأذنابِ فيه عَقارِبُ
2. And the sound from every proud mill wheel
Is crying slave children at the breast
٢. والصَّوتُ من دُولابِ كلِّ متوَّجٍ
أطفالُ زَنْجٍ للرَّضاعِ نَوادِبُ
3. So look at it as if it were
A balance with water pouring out
٣. فانظُرْ إليه كأنه وكأنما
كِيزانُهُ والماءُ منها ساكبُ
4. A sphere revolving with stars placed on it
Like a necklace, they are rising and setting
٤. فَلَكٌ يدورُ بأنجمٍ جُعِلَت له
كالعِقدِ فهي شَوارِقٌ وغَواربُ