1. I marvel at the abode of musicians in Nejd,
Its master provided and prevented the decay of musicians.

2. And our covenant with it once watered,
For it was quick of flight and wandering.

3. It charms me with beautiful allurement,
My resolve of patience from consolation and avoidance.

4. A gazelle with delicate neck and waist,
And lush interior and pacing camels.

5. In her reddened cheek burns the fire of beauty for viewers,
The water of youth for onlookers.

6. Its laden branch sways at all times,
With roses and jujubes.

7. They concealed her coyly, had they revealed her,
Her chastity would have sufficed as a veil.

8. Like an ostrich were it not for allurement,
A glance makes her a statue of prayer niche.

9. She betrayed me and expressed her boredom,
And so is the nature of betrayal among bedouins.

10. O agony of frontiers, be gentle with the loved one you named the bearer of torment.
My wonder at you, gazelle whose hunting no forest lion can cease.

11. I felt estranged when grey hair appeared in my tresses,
Stars and suns of those encampments.

12. And I will ask about her love which will reveal itself,
In a necklace of pearls.

13. I was pleased with her from the meadows of difficulty upon which
Were drawn the tails of clouds.

14. They are but mortals, with faces like the trusted faith,
And dispersion like goodly mention.

15. The gentle beloved, the loyal ally, the accomplished noble, generous host,
The open-handed, spacious-bosomed to delegations.

16. The lofty minaret, narrow of excuses to visitors,
Bestower of maidens like sand hills.

17. With a youthful hand in giving hands,
And a heart inclined to all things grand.

18. I delighted in him but have no refuge
From revered, forgiving and bestower.

19. Swift to reward, near in palm’s moisture,
Distant in punishment, slow to retaliate.

20. A knowing scholar, if the people plunge into mayhem,
Speaking to rectitude.

21. He is a rain whose dew falls on every region,
And lion in every fray.

22. And temptation to protect a neighbor’s honor
A screen with palms spread in protection.

23. An ornament with munificence, O scion of perpetuity
Sufficing the seekers of knowledge with abundance.

24. Lord of perspective, without your assets
No request in councils will be decided with discourse.

25. You counted me in judgment for bestowal
While none of it was in my account.

26. You bequeathed me aid against dearth
And made not mirage my drink.

27. Prolonged is my reproach of time,
And you carried us to the threshold.

28. Misfortunes pounced on me while I stand
Between its claws and fangs.

29. So enjoy the feast, for there came
A herald of joy from every portal.

30. And listen O’ blameless one who accepts only you
Despite abundant suitors.

31. Like a lover’s glance to the beloved,
And the morning breeze and tryst.

32. When she is mentioned, forgotten are
Riders halted at the abode.