1. Is kindness found lacking in the West, attracting blame,
While evil has water in hearts?
١. أَفي الإِحسانِ غَرباً جاءَ جَذباً
وَعِندَ الشَرِّ ماءً في حُدورِ
2. You have not attained the shooting stars of Thurayya,
Nor counted among the bedouins.
٢. فَإِنَّكَ لا إِلى شُهُبِ الثُرَيّا
بَلَغتَ وَلا حُسِبتَ مِنَ البُدورِ
3. And men shy away from her banquets
For her concerns fill up chests.
٣. وَتَخمَصُ مِن مَطاعِمِها رِجالٌ
لِأَنَّ هُمومَها مِلءُ الصُدورِ
4. Burying singing girls is kinder to them
Than firm boredom and cheeks.
٤. وَدَفنُ الغانِياتِ لَهُنَّ أَوفى
مِنَ الكِلَلِ المَنيعَةِ وَالخُدورِ