1. With letters I sent forth, on their faces
Rivalling gazelles, following steadily,

2. Their shadows, when they moved on, appeared
To be howdahs on our camels, succeeding.

3. At every halt they left, for the people there,
Others to take their place, not disappearing.

4. You would see the Kairites grieving when
They stayed behind them, left remaining.

5. You see the free birds drinking from them
Eyes that appeared and disappeared intermittently.

6. As if their moaning, when they set forth,
Answered each other like mourners weeping.

7. It seemed the camel-litters above the camel pads
Were made in the time of tribulation strongly.

8. Their imperfections were repaired and they spent the night
Pregnant, like fortresses and impregnable.

9. So he spent the night honored and they spent it
Fasting around him, succeeding each other.

10. Valleys that waited for gifts from him
However he wished, sitting steadfast.

11. He sent them ships, so they hurried
To him, like loving sandgrouse.

12. He bites those heavy with milk among them
As the cub bites the she-camel's teat

13. With a murmur he repeats, and his anxiety
Refuses to finish, to the end.

14. They had hoarded gifts from him,
So he gave them virgin camels, very dark.

15. On their sides were feathers of ostrich
Resembling carved ivory armlets.

16. Abu Khamis met them with yearlings
Among them none were superior.

17. Concealing his arrows and his bow,
With which the blood of the guides flows.

18. He took aim when he shot an arrow at them
With which to strike the battling hosts.

19. His mother was frantic when they fled
And bit her fingers in disappointment.

20. And they excited for him little goats
You could see among them tents.