1. I was astonished, though not when you were astonished,
Is it astonishing that the full moon is eclipsed by a star?

2. The full moon of the faith spread its light of justice
And kindness until it illuminated every dark night.

3. Damascus, due to him, whoever visits it, whenever he comes
He finds it fragrant, even if it was not perfumed.

4. If Imru’ al-Qays had visited it before, he would not have said
“Stop, let us weep over the ruins of Jundub.”

5. His catapults, if they strike the guests of a land
Make those in it wake up to a difficult morning.

6. Ready to shoot, their arrows hit and make silent
While they are taut on their strings, never missing.

7. So it remained for ages, a breast for every council
A throat for enemies, and a heart for every procession.