1. I left the king fearing that we would be
Among the women on whom they mint his image

2. And fearing that I would be like an old man named Shayb
When the young men gather, they entrance him

3. Their talk is of the young men, and they do not speak
Of aught but their talk to entrance us

4. And fearing that I would be a boon companion of hope
I call, degrading chaste youths and helping us

5. And fearing that I sit with every despicable person
Who drags deficiencies and humiliation to me

6. And fearing that I would be stingy
And I did not see what would pay our debts

7. And fearing that the whiteness of my face
Would be blackness, unchanging with years

8. So this is what I said about it, but
I see I have gone mad with it, madness