1. The recollection stirred the buried past,
When at dawn they set out to discover,

2. On camels and howdahs well prepared
For the rigours of travel that lay ahead.

3. And she said to her sister, “Does he stay
Content in our land, or plan to flee?

4. Tomorrow, or seven days from now,
Will he leave, or will he tarry?”

5. Both roads they pondered, and laboured on,
To smooth the journey before their dawn.

6. Till having circled Al-Muarra mosque,
When their rituals of worship were done,

7. It was said, “Dismount from your night’s course,
Set up camp and kindle your fires.”

8. When settled, their tent was pitched
Where the stones had been set.

9. A terrible din fell upon them,
Like the moon it darkened the sky.

10. Too narrow its flanks for the saddle’s girth
When the garment is drawn round its waist.

11. Cheeks that breathe musk from their soft perfumed robes,
Ambergris-scented, gently composed.

12. She parts her lips like a hungry snake,
Parched ribs thinly veiled in her clothes.

13. None in creation can equal her,
She is beyond all human compare.

14. An army of giants could scarce restrain
The passions of youth her allure would evoke.

15. By God, I would forfeit my soul or my life,
Just to sate my desire she provoke.