1. I left Egypt, whose people had no lamentations,
With neither calculations nor payments,

2. To the army of the people of Damascus I was forced unwillingly,
Foolishly, without a sword of steel or arrows,

3. But with a shield that had no strap,
And a weak, splitting-tipped spear.

4. I was wronged by it, and found nothing
Besides his command and travel worthy of action.

5. So I made up my mind, and in the morning became a raider,
And bade farewell like the raiders to my family,

6. Saying perhaps I would then see myself riding
A horse or with goods on a mule.

7. My steed was a donkey which once had on its back
Baskets and waterskins and ropes.

8. Its eyes failed it with whiteness, and its
Bad legs failed it when driven into mud.

9. When it splashed into water and mud, its
Legs did not toss until it lagged behind with the load.

10. I called to my friends, God bless you,
Go slowly until I get through to the plain.

11. So we traveled to Qinnasrin for a day and night
Like brides not hurrying to their husband.

12. Whenever we camped, we found no level ground
Except barren riverbeds or palm fronds.

13. We passed by Surra hearing its bridge
Creaking from its overloaded ships.

14. So when the Saraa Bridge appeared, and
The bustling market of Furragh distracted me,

15. We descended into cool, shady, lawful drinking dens
Despite the police chief and spies.

16. For a dirham, with a prostitute of your choice
You could be a groom between Sabeiyya and Nassal.

17. So I followed the wretched spear’s blade
And sold my donkey, relieved of the burden.

18. The gazelles said, say just a little. I said to her,
I will be loud, for I am on an expedition.

19. I married her with a tattered cloak, then left her
At her price, glancing sideways with her leg.