1. I asked my time, with whom can I seek refuge?
It said, seek refuge with the supreme commander.

2. I called out, what relation has he to me?
It replied, your savagery, who else has savagery?

3. Your hope in him will bring you closer to him,
Even if you were in China or Al-‘Arish.

4. My house was destroyed and my family scattered,
My clothes were torn and I sold my mattresses.

5. I used to be called the parrot,
Yet time has ripped my feathers.

6. My food used to be the finest rice,
Now I am content with grass.