1. He set out towards Najd draped in his cloak,
His heart clung in passionate longing.

2. Feeble old age had come upon him,
A youth who stumbled upon separation in that land.

3. His yearning stirred for the camels, restless,
Their necklaces jingling as they walked.

4. Urging them on towards Iraq, the dust of Najd,
Until they arrived, their tethers cast aside.

5. How many ruins we left behind in barren plains,
I marked its boulders leisurely with my stick.

6. The folds of her soft cloak as she turned,
Weak in her retreat, her necklace glinting.

7. She appeared to bid farewell in sorrow,
Lit by the shimmering mirage that illuminates and shades.

8. She had veiled herself behind a thin screen,
Now revealing, now hiding, her beauty.

9. Many wept as though her braids themselves
Were wiping his tears away with her necklace.

10. Lightning had struck him and he was ablaze,
The sparks cascading towards you from the flint stone.

11. Drowsiness overcame him when dislike pulled him back,
As the darkness roared with thunder.

12. Why do you frown upon me, O maiden of Quraysh,
Have I forgotten our pact, the promise between us?

13. In my heart is an old passion
For which I prepare temptation for your virtue.

14. I will not grow weary adoring a heart,
Nor betray it though my skin is flayed.

15. If it remains pure while the youth is infirm,
Then so is my love.

16. In me are the secrets of preserving honor
When seriousness sets in for the highborn.

17. I will not expose weaknesses to people,
Slow to rise like a tired camel.

18. But I am the brother of resolute deeds, advancing,
And formidable to the cowardly, my sword sharp.

19. Is there a messenger to my people's quarters
To whisper to them my resting place is my scabbard?

20. My entering in as the wing of night spreads,
Casting its wings over hardships and toil.

21. The stars called me softly, winking
With eyes whose glances pierced like arrows.

22. That I may bequeath them deeds of righteousness,
By whose nobility I intercede for them on the Day of Recompense.

23. Were it not for God, then the people of 'Uqail,
My efforts would have fallen short of their goal.

24. And a confidante of nobility, an ally of help.
With it I compose rhymes of perfection

25. To surpass the excellent poetry of predecessors.
Its hospitality flows generously,

26. Its pride is not constrained by promises.
And in his munificence is a shyness

27. That falls short of the boldness of lions.
When the place was emptied of all goodness,

28. It tries the mettle of men, exhausting them.
A fertile expanse, a vast abode,

29. When the hospitality of each tomorrow is limited.
Gifts rain upon it daily,

30. Its sky laden with incoming delegations.
The maidens listen intently to its commotion

31. Towards a courtyard, their braids uncovered.
Ever watchful, heated glances protect it,

32. Fortified with caution against transgression.
As though the tanning of its leather hides

33. Were the remnants of gilded armor rent by stabs.
You see time has kohl-lined eyes,

34. Its passion almost melting its core.
When it sees redness, it flares up,

35. Inciting it to exceed proper bounds.
I prepare you for battle, O Saad, so cry out

36. With a forest of spears flashing.
And raise your forelegs up high and prevent

37. The turns of fate from subduing my cheek.
With you is the convergence of the paths to glory

38. And the battlefield of wonderful poetry is with me.
The feast day comes to you, raising its gaze

39. To your magnanimity and glory.
Let your time call its people to you

40. In obedience to the clear authority of the compliant servant.
And know that your sword in a little while

41. Will stain the enemy's blood with hatred.
So may your days remain secure for you,

42. Their nights sown with good fortune.