1. In a monastery we resided, where Jesus
Was worshipped by monks in robes.

2. Bent over the icon they receive it
And recite the Bible by heart and instruction.

3. We screamed at them after supper, so they slept
As if we had scared off a forest or soldiers.

4. We said, “O people of the road, hearts for the villages!”
The leader of the group kindly replied.

5. We said, “The air of Syria has excited our souls,
Is there anything that can relax and unwind us?”

6. He said, “Wine, but it is forbidden to you.
How wretched are the Muslims! So no booze.”

7. We said, “Forget the denial, we are a gang
Who obey whatever the soul desires, including Satan.”

8. So he got up, performed ablution, then brought it.
I saw an ape take a cup of wine.

9. I passed it around in the cups of my companions,
He handed me a cup and I handed him a bag of coins.

10. By God, what a life we delighted in its pleasures!
We thanked it with prostrations and celebrations.