1. Did you not ask the ruins and the one sitting
In the belly of rolling sands, wearing worn-out rags,

2. Having changed its landmarks and become
Afflicted with tribulation and upheaval?

3. Will it then be stingy or inform with knowledge after
It had lacerated a heart that was once agonized?

4. About a love for Hind and towns of Hind, when passion
Was all-encompassing and we did not fear it would crack.

5. When we were like water and its mixture
Was as the drink-pourer blends spiced drink.

6. And when we did not obey the blamers, nor did we see
A slanderer among us seeking to find fault.

7. You varied until the heart regained its sickness,
And until I remembered the farewell conversation.

8. So I said to the rain-bearers: Woe to you! You have only
Harmed, so can you bring benefit? Then do so!

9. And you made drink one whose heart was with the likes
Of wild cows once composed.

10. And you stirred up a heart that had bid youth farewell
And its pleasures, so intercede – maybe you will intercede!

11. If what you told was true, still, I do not see
That you roamed among people like a lost camel.

12. He said: Come look! And I said: How can I,
When I fear a stance that may become scandalized?

13. So he said: Veil yourself, then wrap your face and go to the loved ones,
Greet, and do not refrain excessively out of coyness.

14. For I will hide your eyes from them, so you will not be seen,
Fearing the story will spread and be heard.

15. So I went, yearning, just as my companion said,
To his tryst creeping while feeling uneasy.

16. When we stopped and I greeted, faces shone
With beauty that disdains to veil itself.

17. They recognized me when they saw me
And said: “A lover who fulfilled and settled.”

18. And they brought the means of love closer to one infatuated
Who measures a span whenever a finger is folded.

19. When we had exchanged talk, they said to me:
“You hid from us lest we be deceived and tricked.

20. Just yesterday we sent Khalid to you
And explained the matter to him in full.

21. You did not come to us except at the appointed time,
When we came out together to it in a group.

22. We saw a lonely place, empty of spies and a sitting place
Of lasting shade and easy access.”

23. And we said: “A noble one attained and met nobles,
So it is his right today to enjoy himself.”