1. The vision of a beautiful Indian girl passed by
And our swift camels carried us along through the night

2. My two dear friends, relieve me of my worries
And let us ride the dusty trails through the dusty desert

3. To a gracious king of the tribe of Amer
Whose virtues make the stars seem dim

4. When we praised him, the camels turned
Their ears to listen, as if spellbound

5. Above the throne of that noble king
From the family of Saleh, was a youth

6. Born to his mother on the Night of Power
A youth whose face shone brighter than the full moon

7. And whose character was sweeter than water or wine
O Father of Saleh, I complain to you of misfortunes

8. That have struck me as plants complain of drought
Look at me with a gaze that if cast

9. On solid rock would draw forth tears
In my house I left behind little children

10. Peering out like chicks from a nest
I have sinned against myself with my own self

11. And weighed down my back with a burden too heavy to bear
So grant me a gift whose praise will live on

12. As long as the stars shine night after night
They number half as many as the Pleiades

13. Yet from them will spring twice as many descendants
I fear the treacherous nights will harm them

14. For the nights are not to be trusted
From you I hold a fief, longstanding and recent

15. I have lived all my life in your shade
I do not fear to lose it nor dread

16. Any misfortune concerning it from you
Rather I want it to be a lasting kingdom