1. What ails your dwellings, O Hama, that they are empty?
They have changed to loneliness after company.

2. Once they were dove nests of gentle rest,
And today ravens of separation croak in them.

3. My covenant with it and its present condition is loss.
Nothing went by quicker or failed more suddenly.

4. So I will neither weep over it with drawn out keening,
Nor show patience over it with neglect.

5. Nor free because of it my tears' handmaidens,
Nor let tears flow from each eye in streams.

6. Yet how many a wretched man has misery afflicted!
And how many a man of purpose has affliction encompassed!

7. And how many a heart seeking glory and might
Has an eye that weeps with passion and acts!