1. She passed by us in the summer heat alluring,
Her tent on those sand dunes rising high.

2. Above her cheek a birthmark like glowing ember
Quenched by her drool as she sucks her lip.

3. Silver-white skin though parched by thirst,
As if gold had spilled over her dunes.

4. She shook a slender branch on a sandy dune—
Grace and branch are a wondrous thing!

5. Adorned with dark musk over smooth skin,
Below that veil's mysterious folds,

6. Her languorous eyes, coquettish, smiling,
A fawn, a partridge, a shy gazelle—

7. Her branch now hides, now reveals her face
Like dawn's first light, unveiled, unhidden.

8. Would that I had paused awhile at Dhat Quba
To ask, why do you shun me, keeping apart?

9. Would water from Adh'ib would flow my way
To slake my thirst with what they drank!

10. O people of those tents, though far I live
My love for you remains, as it should.

11. Do not neglect my company, O Quba folk!
For noble hearts do not forsake true friends.

12. As for beauty—that is yours, but glory
Belongs to Ash'ari and repute!