1. Your heart was not troubled by the spiteful acquaintances,
With lightning between interlocked ribs and vertebrae.

2. The gusts of wind played with it, so it became
A barren land where none but the still leaves of reeds can grow.

3. And I did address it with questions out of yearning,
While the abode before me was obscured from the inquirer.

4. And I did look, but I did not see a beholder
Other than the steel and the head of a lance brought low.

5. It shelters with the greenest of arâk branches,
Beautifully pitched like cooled clarify juice.

6. It travelled to fulfill a need in the city
With the prince, while its people were busied.

7. Whoever spring had missed, he was given victory
When the Hijâz was watered by the rain of the Unique.

8. Its early showers outdid its late downpour
With sweet, aromatic, verdant, promising growth.

9. It became delicate and drenched with bliss, and was watered
With the perfume of Irâq, so excellent is the supporting branch.

10. The city has become populated
With a crowned conqueror, beautiful of noble deeds.

11. The paths to it rushed like the rain from the Euphrates’ width,
With visitors incoming or resident.

12. And it ruled without being oppressed in its rule
What lies before Mecca, whether pebbles or mosques.

13. And you reached, without pretentious effort,
The highest fortunes, despite the envious one’s spite,

14. And ruled what lay between Irâq and Yathrib
A kingdom that gave sanctuary to Muslim and dhimmî.

15. Their wealth and blood, after what
The brightness of the sword of the gallant covered the weak.

16. And Qais threw pebbles behind you
At whoever sought to wrong you, you bold hostile foe.