1. I swore by the Lord of the dancing girls one evening,
Where the bodies swayed, their minds subdued,

2. That if the turn of time cheated me of Mālik,
Though I was complete in manliness and mind,

3. I would ransom him, though to ransom were to lose all-
Wealth is no substitute for ransoming one held dear.

4. How good a resting place is the guest's if he arrives by night
When the fires are dead, the tents folded!

5. How good a neighbor's camp if he halts with his family
When the anklets of the secluded women jingle!

6. How excellent a brother in time of need when shackles
Chafe his legs and urgently he yearns for freedom!

7. Living he sought me out, that estimable man,
His knees exposed by his slit robe.

8. When a night visitor comes knocking at the tents,
Good deeds, like heavy rains, come down in floods.

9. A brother you can trust will kindle no slander‐
Not where the men are noble, caring, and sober.