1. No, by the camels gently treading,
That bring pilgrims to Mecca's shrine.

2. Like mourning women, humbly bowing,
Over tombs where heroes recline;

3. Those eyes that once with pleasure glittered
Have looked on change and wept in vain,

4. As round the sacred shrine they flitted,
The seven-fold circuit to maintain.

5. What beauteous forms, like moons effulgent,
Have vanished in death's endless night!

6. "For God's sake take me to His dwelling,
That He may pardon all my plight!"

7. The branches of the lofty palm-trees wave
As her sweet, tearful glances crave.

8. Men all amazed stand struck with wonder,
When she draws near the hills called Al-Mash'ar.

9. No fairer scene mine eyes discover,
Nor greener spot where all is bare,

10. From Cairo's palace to Medina,
Nor yet Damascus' gardens fair.

11. Dear native Cairo claims my duty,
But no abiding place is there;

12. Damascus calls me—how I covet
To see again her landscapes fair!

13. Leave Nayrab and Rabwah behind thee,
Press onward to Bosra's old walls,

14. Nor would I Damascene meadows choose
In place of Egypt's shining malls.

15. Though once the joy of every stranger,
How art thou now brought low and base!

16. Once justice dwelt within thy dwelling,
But tyrants now usurp her place.

17. When Saladin came, thou didst escape
The manners of the base and vile;

18. With thousands only he could master
Ten thousand in a little while.

19. Like eagles stooping on their quarry,
His foes fell prone beneath his blows;

20. His fondest friends, when they surround him,
Rejoice aloud and yell "Allaho!"

21. In Allah's name he puts to flight both
The Roman and the Moorish band,

22. While rumor of his conquests ever
O'erspreads the East and Western land;

23. He recked not of his earthly kingdom,
Religion was his only care;

24. He left the throne of Cairo freely
That he might to his faith prove true.

25. No worldly grandeur turned his spirit,
No pride in him had any share;

26. The crescent moon obeys his order,
The hawk upon his wrist doth fare;

27. Beneath the standards red as crimson
That o'er his troops unfurled display,

28. The kings of earth might gaze in wonder
Upon their memorable day!

29. The flags that wave in festal glory
Are dyed a deep and purple dye;

30. How many a coat of mail resplendent
His trenchant blade hath cleft in twain!

31. How many a hero's shining armor,
His mighty sword doth cut in vain!

32. O blade of Saladin, 'tis justly
That o'er thee flags should proud unfold!

33. His arrows reach the distant target,
However far his foes may hold.

34. O thou, whose bride my songs advise thee,
All beauteous things thy glances shame,

35. On whomsoever looks thy beauty,
His heart must yield to Cupid's flame!

36. Thy servant, oh, relieve his sadness!
See how he wearies for thy sight!

37. God grant that, spite of time's envious blight,
You still may claim the poet's lay!