1. The abodes have changed now that Dhū al-Dafīn has gone,
And the valleys of Luwa and sandy hills of soft dunes,

2. And the crag of a summit marked by lingering clouds,
Its ancient vestiges worn away by the years.

3. My companion, look, can you see them being led along
Like a line of ships floating on the sea?

4. They made the lowland northward by Rakk's udder
And inclined the high ground away to the right.

5. My litter reproached me today and in the night complained bitterly,
Saying, “You have grown old.” I said, “That is true,

6. For I have outlived many days and years.”
It showed me signs of aversion though once gentle with me,

7. And spoke harshly though once soft in speech.
It knitted its brows when it saw

8. I had grown old and my temples turned white.
I said, “Gently, do not reproach me,

9. For I want only what will please you until
You wish to turn away, and then, leave me.

10. If my youth has passed, bringing me sorrow,
And my head has turned hoary,

11. Though revelry was my comrade for a time,
Today it is severed from me.

12. So I frequent the tents of maidens
As though their eyes were those of wild cows.

13. They incline affectionately to me for a while
And a season, like a guarded flock,

14. And I have erected a red canopy for one of delicate complexion
Who perceives in me a guardian of faithfulness.

15. He tries to get up though enfeebled
By intimacies with a snub-nosed lad as companion.

16. When some women visit him after a separation,
They let fall tears after their singing.

17. With him I have fretted my soul
Over fair ones wailing like moaning camels.”