1. Our nights among the folds are stony-still,
Watered with rain from clouds that gently spill.

2. You passed, and with you went the singers' joy,
And rapture of my youth - that coy decoy!

3. When I recall the beauty that is gone,
I find no comfort in remembrance lone.

4. At times I master grief, at times give way -
No strength to suffer, and too proud to pray!

5. My friend, if friendship be your true intent,
Then feel as I feel, to regret consent!

6. If I prepare to roam at break of day,
I skirt the sands where serpents twist and sway.

7. If I incline at dusk to rest and dream,
I shun the wolds no human foot may deem.

8. No more my phantom comes to me - not so
The longing that unmans me even now!

9. Our vine's first fruit we shared, while striplings eyed
Us enviously in groups from every side.

10. My pride is fallen that my lightning sword
Flamed not, green blade in blackest night outpoured!

11. I shun the wine-cup, though the dawn's first glow
Gleams on our bowl of mote and candied snow.

12. How now to smile and sport, when age comes on,
And grey appears where once black tresses shone?

13. The sober garb becomes me - faugh! away
With vain ambition and its gaudy play!

14. My wisdom tells me that delay and haste
Are equal now: to-morrow, as the past.

15. The thing, ordained, that I so hotly sought
Might miss the fate that was not fronted - nay, was brought!

16. I say to him, the weakling bathed in tears,
Whose craven spirit breeds morbid doubts and fears:

17. "Is it your arrows or your courage faint
That wins no prize when valor throngs the lists as saint?"

18. "Enough, the heights are not for you, whose reach
Is far too short such lofty leaps to teach."

19. "If, looking round the kingdom that is yours,
You see your wants supplied by others' stores,

20. Then be content, nor vex yourself to gain
Glories beyond your measure - covetous and vain!"

21. With patient wisdom has he girt their loot,
The Muslims' spoil, as with a painful shoot.

22. The proud he shatters, th'obstinate he breaks;
Their hardships easily his soldiers takes.

23. Dire was the vengeance on the Kharijite horde
For their rebellion - chastisement harsh but just reward!

24. Asked for some parley, they but toss the head,
Scornful, like long-necked camels, full of pride instead.

25. Twas Abu'l-Maghra deep who nursed their creed
In his dark womb - from the Ta'i stock a bastard breed!

26. "Ill-omened people", so they dared to call
The name As'Sukh'ra - thus inviting doom to fall!

27. By rods and staffs I probed them, and laid bare
Their inward thoughts, and made their guilt my care.

28. I sheared them, leaving them like shaven sheep;
The unhorsed riders prostrate fell in many a heap.

29. Your zeal, a doomsman's sword, smites swift and sure,
Clean of morass or swamp to make the stroke less pure.

30. A little patience, and the face half-hid
Speaks eloquently, and the listener, chastened, did as bid.

31. Concerned to hasten sluggards, he would pour
The late draught early, present, not defer the hour.

32. Ask they for armistice? Naught may impose
Save the high mountain-wall that frowns and interposes!

33. They ask: "Where can iniquity be found?"
But he retorts: "Iniquity? Nay, justice doth abound!"

34. If writers disagree in giving judgment, still
Are all resolved to follow the accredited will.

35. If speech perplex some speakers, yet a guide
Comes to the rescue, points the way, illuminates, decides.

36. Press on! nor pause till you have reached the height,
And leave events to Him who rules all things aright.

37. Myself, my household, my whole tribe shall be
Thy ransom, O my Prince and Master, pledged to thee!

38. My soul is sacrifice! Of gifts and grace
Thine was the plenty, evil ne'er could find a place.

39. Rule gently, gifts dispense with open hand,
So mayst thou live in honor, and thy seed expand!