1. He lingers where the breeze is sweet and mild,
And fellowship abides, companions tried and true.

2. The lover pours the loved one wine, and fills
Her cup again - would that these pains I knew!

3. The darkness brings a pallor to his cheeks;
Unplucked, the fruit hangs ripe on every bough.

4. And when she turns, her languid grace alone
Can double and redouble lover's vow.

5. The smooth of form and limb, the soft of skin -
Their days are given to pleasure and delight.

6. They poured the dawn-cup, and the veil of night
Was torn between the bowls and shining white.

7. Behind the clouds the moon was like a maid
Who peeps from modest curtains, half afraid.

8. The morning breeze was scented as the maid
Opened the musky phials that last eve she made.

9. And so they snatched the last dark from the night,
Like Abû Nuwâs, ere came the day-star's light.

10. Judgment upon the days! They judge amiss
Qf wealth; equity escapes them in this.

11. The place is green, sweet are its streams and fair,
Safe its retreats from every troubling care.

12. The wind blows o'er it when the breeze is set
That wakes perfume from hair with braids inset.

13. The roads that lead men thither are too long.
Yet they press on apace the sands among.

14. They know the prince as bounty's very fount,
The soul of high emprise and brave account.

15. The verses they have woven for his praise
Show like the broideries time shall not erase.

16. He gave, but ceased not giving, overpassed
Hâtim in bounty - his high name shall last.

17. When in the mêlée swords flash swift and fast,
His, surest-thrusting,agh the onset past.

18. His many heroes carry into the night
Assault, and pierce with lances towards the light,

19. Of princely stock, they captured high estate,
The quarry sentinel at Fortune's gate.

20. Their swords the refuge of each lofty thing.
Swords are the seals of the most puissant king.

21. Pure lives have they, from sin and evil clean,
Pure as the water, spotless in its sheen.

22. The purposes they have set their hearts upon,
Not least of all is this - to blunt the sword.

23. And every place of vantage he has gained
Spoil from the niggard time he holds unchained.

24. On every side the banners rise unfurled,
The blood reddens and spatters on the world.