1. Tamim's she-camels came to Dahna's valley, seeking
Refuge in fertile southern climes where palms are heavy with dates.

2. As though for the traveler they offer ample provisions -
Swaying, date-laden palms amid which the fruited branches hang.

3. Were it not for the hunger pangs that gnaw and torment her people
Sleeplessness would not afflict one kept awake through the night.

4. Yet they scorn to accept as lord one hostile to their faith
Whenever his spear-butts would goad on the steeds to charge.

5. O Ibn Marwan, without your guidance all things come to naught;
Unless you hold the reins, affairs will go astray.

6. All men's faces turn to you, save those led far astray
By caprice, swerving from the path into wayside wastes.

7. Help me, in my poverty and as my fortunes decline!
For I am the sublime poet of East and West combined.

8. To you, God's regent on earth, all matters come home to rest;
On you depends the outcome of each thing, first and last.

9. Still I hoped that the Marwanids might establish a dynasty
While fickle Fortune continues to rotate her sphere.

10. Ever since the martyred caliph met his unjust fate
His avenger has risen up from their line, angered and biting.

11. Why do they not gain ascendancy, they from whose clan
Hails the Prophet's bosom friend and faithful emigrant?

12. Princes are they, heirs to every sound policy,
And with God's aid the rights they uphold shall prevail.

13. Indeed we shall don the raiment of intimacy with you,
As the nights unfold in which refreshing zephyrs blow.

14. Thus we may attain the best of men, if missives of accord,
Whose pages ceaselessly turn, can reach you and arrive.

15. When night enshrouds them, their mounts take us straight
To our encampments, till the birds in chorus sing at dawn.

16. Now of their battle steeds naught remains
Save the bits' bosses still clasped in the chargers' mouths.