1. Alas, my wedding procession left home in haste
For no reason, what idea got into its head?

2. Though the procession began happy, it became hasty
How could it not when we were led to worthy folk?

3. It did not know my nature, so as to realize
That at home I enjoy tranquility and comfort

4. My shame at ill fate will return to haunt me
As she sullenly left us in the night after union

5. I ran ahead of the caravan before it got underway
And she did not know my situation nor I hers

6. Whenever a friend’s goods were packed up
I would insult him until we parted

7. Sulaim came and took her away roughly
Wiping her tears with her sleeve as she went

8. They tell me, “take an oath,” but I won’t swear
I deceive them about her so I can get her

9. So I relieved my soul’s anguish with a false oath
As she relieved hers by rending her cloak

10. With a lightning bolt, that if it struck the sands of Al-Alij
Or the sands of Al-Ghanu one day, it would turn them to glass

11. So they said, “Say it again so we can hear how you put it”
But Kathir said, “We will not make public her shame.”