1. When the head of she whom I feared drew near,
And I saw in it obligatory meeting,

2. I swore to myself that I would strive with it,
In its state of health and illness.

3. Alas! How long has my camel knelt down unrestrained,
With Satan its master without bit or bridle,

4. Shading me as I mount the litter,
Sometimes behind and sometimes before me,

5. Giving me good news that I shall not die
And that he will make me live forever in paradise and peace!

6. So I said to him, “Why did you not bring out
Your brother with your right hand from the green sea,

7. When you saw him, and hurl him into the sea
Like a withered branch of chamomile and wild oregano?

8. When the waves towered over him,
You turned back and did not remain with him steadfastly.

9. Did you not come to the people of the cave while the cave was their home,
With the finest life in mansions of marble,

10. And say, ‘Lame this she-camel, for it
Either will be yours, or you will have a lovesick she-camel.’

11. When they lamed her you denied them
And you were a deserter at every blame.”

12. And Adam, whom you brought out while he was dwelling
And paired with his wife from the best abode,

13. You swore, O Satan, that you were a sincere adviser
To both him and her with oaths without sin.

14. So they both continued stitching leaves over themselves
With their hands, from eating evil food.

15. How many generations obeyed you and in the morning
Became tales? They were in the shadows of clouds.

16. You, O Satan, are not one I seek to please,
Nor will you lead me with a halter.