1. Say to the one whose affections turn
My father ransomed you from ruin

2. You are, by God, a ship
A harbor better than any ship

3. Do you not see you would have headed
To me, had you but said: Come nearer

4. So when you come close
Say to me: Get on!

5. Onto a saddle I adorned
Above your shoulders gilded

6. Not elevated by any pommel
Or inlaid wood of a high saddle

7. But on a soft cloth of cotton
Above a belly round and plump

8. And a bit scented of amber
Bear me upon your ride

9. That suffers neither from sun
Nor from ruggedness of ascents

10. So when you have me mount it
Say: This is the son of Mahallabi