1. And a rider who fears not catching up though slowed
By one tired, worn by running, steps grown leaden,

2. Of feeble strength, soft-boned, as though he were
Cords fretted by overdrive mares tardy-leadin’.

3. I warned the tribe about him till he seemed
A lion the laggards dreaded, fierce and dread in’.

4. Abu Shibl was being cursed; his mount’s withers
Showed wear from a day of riding in the rainin’.

5. The cranes’ song kept shading him as overhead
They gathered, thronging, clustering and complainin’,

6. A lover like a sick man’s raving; yet
He feels no grief at seeing none dissentin’.