1. I once had a mule, by him my rank rose high
Now I walk with no donkey or mule close by

2. He was free and pure of tail, walking with pride
Reason and tradition both him testify

3. He would bear my weight, standing firm in place
Carrying some or all with no sign of haste

4. A true Arabian was his noble line
Sire a fine stallion, as stallions sire the best

5. His feet on the sand shaped patterns so fine
Were the sand marks left, a sight so divine

6. With chest full and shoulders broad and wide
No behind him or front, or either side

7. But a demon, a thief, fought with me for him
As if the contract and terms were agreed in full

8. Reaching in the dark night hands so dim
By which it walked when hooves were pulled

9. And so the pegs between us were pried apart
The ropes grew slack and rope was unbound from heart

10. Now no mule have I, nor any hope of tracks
The steed is gone, vanished is its noble pack

11. No thief have I seen who could replace his worth
Blame and shame touch him not, no, not a smert

12. When to the court of justice he comes to stand
May the judge mete out justice with an impartial hand