1. When she saw the banner of Qais approaching,
She trembled and said to me, "What shall we do?"

2. I said, "Woe is not my way or deed.
I have no she-camel or camel here."

3. That was when the neighing of horses at dawn
Would shake my shoulders as if I were drunk.

4. But now the pasture is desolate, the tents struck,
And the people after waiting are departing.

5. She said, "Are you not the flame of faith, kindling it?
Far be it that it be said the camel refused to carry."

6. Better than this or that is a burden
Of its like in the valleys to attain hope.

7. It is the zeal of Abu Hammu. Seek it as a neighbor.
In it security hangs low and merit is complete.

8. By God, if the shepherd neglects it with his flocks
He need not fear the attack of a lurking lion.

9. You would be of the people of Moses if you judge justly
And if an unjust age hangs back, carry the burden.

10. They are the towering mountains, whenever they show restraint,
They are the surging seas, whenever they endure patiently.

11. So I said, "After me the Most Merciful was your pillar;
No other was relied upon and judgment was pending."

12. And I am covered with the cloak of honor.
Say to Qais, "Judgment has failed, so do not

13. Stir up trouble, but show patience through the night."
May the rain of favors last for him, contending,

14. Giving drink from the right hand, overflowing.
And the sun of his grandeur was secured from setting

15. Into the lap of existence, with neither sun nor burdens.