1. Behold, for Layla's kin made ready to depart
Nor waited, though in haste to take their leave.

2. They cried aloud and hastened to disperse their train,
And shone with polished bones and coats-of-mail.

3. A houri, whose sweet talk could heal the sick,
With lovely throat as fair as early night.

4. And smiling lips like drafts of limpid wine,
As if musk-scented dew were sprinkled there.

5. Turn from her witching smiles and swanlike neck,
Bent as of one who checks a camel's rein.

6. With lovely ankles riding on her skirts,
As if shackled with devils for her shoon.

7. Had but my soul been ransomed for Amr ibn Amer!
Too long the riders at the valley camp.

8. By my life, kin of Malik, well have you
Your guest, the noble chief of flowing locks!

9. When fame made clear the glory was his right,
He washed it in the rain-pools after rain.

10. And if on dangerous venture they embark,
He mounts above them on unslippered feet.

11. So bar the way, ye Banu Malik, now the paths
Are closed against you, each and every road.

12. Their ugly faces shall not make you fear,
Like people's hearts descendant from Jadilah.

13. A youth who, whilst he breathes, Fate doth not harm
His neighbor, nor the settled tribes distress.

14. He gives the guest the choicest of his wealth,
Yea, and the slaves untouched by whip or brand.

15. And in the mêlée with the lion of the waste
More bold than at a lover's visitings,

16. And horses challenging with clattering hoofs
Like lions roaring in the wild ravine,

17. Still pressing on their course, driving their steeds,
White gleaming the two edges of their swords.

18. A brother, tried and trusty, brave Majid,
Well-born, of generous stock, no weakling he!

19. When men stretch forth their palms unto the noble chief,
Thou spreadest treasures with a lavish hand.

20. And he's a huge tree-trunk, no flood can reach
Its roots, for from it every channel's dammed.

21. The Banu Ahwas reared their glory high,
Then rendered it to chiefs and counselors.

22. And if excel a noble, match him then
With one as noble, or with truer claim.

23. Would that the Ahwas' heritage were not
To Malik's sons entrusted, Malik and Aqil!

24. For when clear merit shows the man of worth,
The rulers heed no more an empty boast.