1. My last words to Rabab as she spoke
Don’t you see those around us, so wait and watch

2. From the light and gossip - among them a slanderer
Bold enough to speak of us and lie

3. So I said to her, by God and the veiling night
Do not diverge if asked the path forked in two

4. So she turned away and said you only want my shame
Making my heart for her angry and provoked

5. And she evaded me playing tricks like
A prowling wolf eyeing the flock’s sheep

6. So when the night ended except its last
And the stars lowered their gaze and took cover

7. She said enough, the eye of dawn casts light
I fear the morn may shine its sun soon over

8. So I came leading the mule, its saddle upright
A pillow for it, shuffling not to turn over

9. I said saddle the she-camel for morn has come
Harbingers of daybreak from dawn red as ember

10. And I left Rabab’s abode for a town afar
Even if I wished to return or come nearer