1. A specter haunted him, one of past crimes,
His companions slept, but he was not asleep.

2. A kinswoman berated him for suspicion
Of treachery in bygone years.

3. He declaimed in the wasteland where feathers are shed
By birds who on the day of battle took flight.

4. He knocked at the doors, doors of a fortress,
Knocking without purpose, to no avail.

5. When he saw his intercessor was gone from him
And the one from whom favor was hoped had betrayed him,

6. He returned disappointed, after being promised
His petition granted, but kept from the money,

7. He discarded the cloak of darkness and dug a tunnel
With a pickaxe or some other piercing tool.

8. With it, not with her, I will cast off the wilderness of passion
And relieve the sorrow of the thwarted fugitive.

9. With the restless pair, driving the carriage
Of great length, the one with clattering hooves,

10. An excellent, precious mare, when she complains
Her cheek answers above the braying grindstones.

11. With high spirit she contends with the purebreds
Whose outstretched necks surpass the date palms.

12. When the mother of roads presents herself, she prances
With diverse gaits above the milestones.