1. News came that her abode was the highlands
While ours were the flat plains and wide spaces

2. So I was seized by a passion to see her
For one like it obstacles seem easy

3. My route held open deserts where none knows
The paths but the soaring eagles

4. I crossed the wastes in the dark of night
My tribe and friends left behind

5. Save a mount that bore me, Sabuh
And rage no kin can withstand

6. I paired its whiteness to my eyes' darkness
And my veil gathered me and its ascent

7. I turned its muzzle where none can speak
When resolve is shattered and words fade

8. It gave me company though the night's beasts raged
With claws and fangs against its like

9. And I saw death itself short of Salma
And reaching it was wondrous strange

10. It said "Who do you see mightier than I?"
I said "By your truth, the mighty revered king"

11. Abu al-Hasan the rain overflowing the land
With beauties beyond all reckoning

12. He is the Pasha whom the nations' necks
Bowed and bent to his might

13. With a soul that declines no disgrace
And a palm no clouds equal

14. A purpose seeking the two weights
Where without you the keenest blade is blunted