1. To Layla, in the highest abode with conflict
A lonely dwelling whose people it calls so they endure

2. Its state has changed after a state I knew it in
Jinn cavorted in it, and it was neglected

3. It hunted a heart throughout life as if it were
A father of numerous children given two nights' respite

4. Didn't you two see when you came that her flesh
Had the taste of brackish water, unrefined and bitter

5. And I am not one who seeks sympathy with his passion
As the west wind is unleashed for him and streams flow

6. And when I saw non-existence shackled my attainment
And emptied what troubles were with me and purified

7. I approached a tribe and honored a group
I picked them as I roamed and asked

8. The clan of Malik - I mean Saad son of Malik -
I seek the good in them and mix freely

9. When peril shows the cowardly they
Are a refuge for whoever turns to them and a fortress

10. And you are one who did his duty so today after it
I stir excitedly with my hands hennaed

11. I have chosen a matter with strong arms, yes
More chaste and closer to guidance and more beautiful

12. With fingers whose knots the son of Mujaddid tied
He has an elegant gait, his offspring nibble

13. And the deadly one brought out his marrow as if it were
A hyena slinking furtively with facile bowels

14. And a white-blazed horse of Zaghif, of Sulami strain
Over its anklets is a fluttering like a loosened garment

15. And its brief rein like the leash of a snarling lion
A supple, smooth-stepping, sweet-tempered saddlery

16. It learned in its yearling days, while still a filly
In a valley where is a long-running spring and thickets

17. Agile, fleet, elegant, and swift
Choice trappings, soft and richly ornamented

18. He broke it round the cistern of its cheekpieces
It rears up on the saddlecloth and settles down

19. He possessed it with the saliva beneath its shell
Like the white of an egg which curdling spoiled

20. And it vexed him that it was said, far from you
Are promises of wellbeing left unfulfilled

21. Three gray thoroughbreds and a chestnut mare
Darker than the ink of writing, equipped

22. I came with my sale driving them, not adding to it
Until the sifter of men returns unsuccessful

23. And that is my weapon, which I was pleased with its perfection
So the winged one glances away from me in confusion

24. It creeps up to it surreptitiously, making it stagger
To weaken it in its shooting as it looses

25. I saw Byzantium look scornfully at me with its eye
Consider carefully, I am one who considers carefully

26. And you two, sons of Janab, were found
Like one who creeps to hide, while in his throat is choking