1. My two friends in lofty Damascus quenched me,
Yet in Egypt there's no friend for the stranger.

2. Would that its people turned from glory's tumult and dew,
Yet none of them inclines towards me.

3. I became alone while cares besieged me,
I watch a star beyond my reach.

4. Will it set after spending my vigils
With no descent following its rising?

5. A sword passed by while I slept unpolished,
Yet in my sleep it was a blade bare.

6. And I deserved what they obtained by strife
Had there been no blemish, battler, and insolent fool.

7. And that a man, the furthest from them,
And one like me deserves blame as a guardian.

8. And where are they if an envier departs?
He left not knowing how to speak.

9. It was merely lightning whose gleam they gloated over.
No juice from their comfort reached my throat.

10. But for the two of them, Syria's honor was pure
And I had insight among mankind and bliss.

11. Peace be upon you, but our departure
Is near, though time is long.

12. You need no day when I have want in your land
Nor does a messenger come to you every day.