1. Why does he persist in keeping the tryst with maidens fair
When the first streaks of grey have crept into his hair?

2. A single grey hair in his head has appeared, as though
It were a calamity when grey hairs begin to spread there.

3. Scarce had the greyness shone when for the grey reproach arose,
And joy for him in its advent had the revilers who slight him.

4. Scarce had his smooth cheek failed him before there flashed
Into his eyes one of the glances that waver and excite.

5. Let us clothe the vestiges of him with a parting gift from us,
And give news of a surrender, though no pact binds him.

6. When the travellers break camp there pelts them with stones
Umm al-Najm wa al-Subab from her place of pride.

7. A tryst was the time of clarity, but from that madness of ours
A purpose turned aside not to be won over.

8. A youth in whose hands for wealth there remains an opening known
To aspirations from every side.