1. Tell the tale of a maiden of a lively clan
Who once lamented while amid ruins and wasteland:

2. She said to her neighbor in the evening when she saw
The beauty of the spot and absence of foes:

3. In a garden made pleasant by a gently blowing breeze,
A resting place far from the distant firmament,

4. In the shade of a thick-branched tree and soft meadow
That sprang in the hollow of good fertile soil,

5. And it was as if its softness were a raincloud
That cooled over distant, hot, barren land.

6. Would that the one who brings evening had favored
A house where we could be near each other!

7. When he who we fear is absent from us
The land is ours in pleasantness and solitude."

8. I said, "Ride on! He who professed to us
That we should not heed it, though great the test."

9. While we were thus, suddenly the creaking sound
Of a procession raising the hem of a robe in the desert.

10. She said to her neighbor, "Look! See who has come
And observe well the rider of the roan camel."

11. She said, "I know his garb and dress -
Without doubt it is none other than Khafaja."

12. She said, "Indeed! Then be glad,
For the one whom we love to meet is come."

13. She said, "My wish has indeed been answered
Without effort or exertion on my part.

14. I did not hope that he would visit our land
Except by greatly wishing and hoping for it.

15. And so my desire is brought near by meeting him,
And he has answered in secret, for me and in solitude."

16. When we stopped and greeted them,
He returned our greeting bashfully.

17. We said, "Dismount, rest your riding beasts
Hidden away until nightfall."

18. "If you look upon our land today favorably,
Tomorrow you will be indebted to its hospitality."

19. "We have wearied our riding beasts which are accustomed
Not to grumble with a roar of discontent,

20. Until, when the watcher is reassured and
Eyes of hostile spies are closed in slumber,

21. She emerged, wrists adorned with bracelets, walking like
A roe deer, in a party of three, with graceful gait.

22. The herald brought news that she approached,
A breeze with a fragrance pervading the atmosphere."

23. She said, "Thanks to my Lord! Tonight in fulfillment
Of a vow I will faithfully perform for His sake."