1. And a questioner asked, "Why after us does Dowser pine
His heart cured of passion for Layla or Hind?"

2. "If my clothes are tattered for Layla's sake,
I'm as a swordblade resting snug in its sheath.

3. If grey hairs should come, then I will sometimes
Seem amid the fresh-faced youths a prodigy.

4. With flowing robe and thick soft curls I charm
The maidens, my ringlets' gloss a dazzle.

5. My camel-litters bent from 'Adan to Nejd
Nor did the land forget its ancient ways.

6. That which my heart encountered is the like
Of ardour and passion known to Nejd's folk.

7. When you wish you will not find the boon-friend; my love
For my tribe no substitute can replace.

8. I shoot back the arrows shot from a bow of hate;
To my lord I owe no bound nor pact.

9. When a man turns his back though first his love he showed me,
His withdrawal cannot make my love recede.

10. No poor excuse have I sought for deeds
That often are done deliberately.

11. She of lofty aspirations whose cords pulled taut
My peg-ropes, slackening my firm resolve."