1. Before dawn breaks
When night is like jet black hair

2. Like tyranny, injustice, or betrayal
The stars of Gemini move across the sky

3. As though taking the night's measure
To see how many it has betrayed and weakened

4. And the rich covet the moon
For wherever it has set they plunder

5. As though seeking it with tracking dogs
That fly from every hill and valley

6. Nearly touching their backs on the ground
As they course to and fro

7. With bodies wide like an open tent
With mouths like a slit made by a knife

8. Slit to the ears or down their necks
With flowing, yellow cheeks

9. Like the tips of copper lances
They are fiercer than destiny's decrees

10. Until they plunge deep into the wilderness
In the prime of their strength and glory

11. They race as though drunk
As though they are filled with fermented wine

12. They glance with mocking eyes
And the dogs drive them toward ten

13. Wild cattle that appeared in a line
And the same number of oryx does

14. So they bolt like lightning through the rain
Plunging like a shooting star

15. Swifter than water flowing downhill
Until they overpower and defeat their prey

16. Leaving the wild beasts beneath the dust of their attack
Strewn about like islands in a muddy lake

17. As their blood flows freely
Then I descended swiftly from my steed

18. Cutting them to pieces as I gathered my spoils
Until with my full bags I turned away

19. What a hunt! Like hot coals
I slaughtered the game in every manner of slaughter

20. A slaughter like the army of Al Sakhr laid waste