1. I shall never forget the day I halted at the ruins
And said to a company who were departing and alighting:

2. "Stay a while with us, that we may solace ourselves with you,
For I and those I love are afflicted with parting's malady."

3. If they travel on, good luck attends them;
If they encamp, they light in a lush meadow.

4. I met them in the gorge of Qanat's valley
While my pact with them stood firm between Al-Naqa and Al-Mushallal.

5. They pasture their beasts where the vegetation blossoms,
Not where the heart of a lover in error might pasture.

6. So, O driver of camels, go gently with one
Whom you see at the parting like a fawn with a broken leg.

7. He alternates between walking and riding the litter,
To give rest to a heart that has fled from the pain of departure.

8. They say, "Show fortitude!" But sorrow will not be patient.
What can I do, when fortitude keeps away from me?

9. Had I possessed fortitude, had I been wise,
My soul could not have been patient - how then, when I am not?