1. I do not lament an unfamiliar desert waste,
Nor yearn for the bygone days or old companions.

2. A house where the beloved dwells seems more deserving,
Even if the lodging be unfamiliar.

3. But my tears are for the youths of Duhganah,
Who endured a long night of grief from Alous' sons.

4. Oh what a short night that passed!
While the winds blowing through your brethren wildly.

5. The night heaped up like a pile and scattered it.
Morning came envying it in its heaps.

6. Shadan spoke magic at dawn,
With a thousand purifications and blessings.

7. He took the cup gently and spoke to it,
Wearing a judge's attire, while Sheikh Iblees sobbed.

8. He stretched out his hand to me and recited,
The protector of Hidmalah from the abundant goblets.

9. When I woke up with my sober companions,
I feared he had smitten me with his staff.

10. I frowned as if still drowsy to make him drowsy,
So his eyelids felt sleepy from the staff.

11. He sprawled atop a bed that suited me well,
Shining from Belqees' throne.

12. So I rose to scribble on his parchment with a hand
Writing what torments him in his holy books.

13. A third man sensed me before I finished,
Announcing dawn to us with the bells' rings.

14. He said "Who are you?" I said "the priest Zaroula,
Who purified your monastery."

15. He rose up insulting me extensively, and I insulted him even more,
With patience built his throne without founding.

16. He said "Woe to me! You are an evil man."
I said "Wait! For I am no weakling."