1. They reproached me, saying Reema cannot be attained,
Yet meeting Reema is what I seek.

2. They reproached me, what think you of a friend
Betrothed to Reema or hopes for union with her?

3. Reema's eyes have mocked my worship,
Ill-omened is the deputy of drowsiness.

4. They reproached me, if you were to help me
My eyes that have no rest would find relief.

5. I battle anxiety alone, clinging
To my liver as lice cling.

6. I rejoice being restored when it was thought
I no longer conversed or responded.

7. They reproached me, night after night has passed
I endure them as my pillow was disturbed.

8. What youth was struck with what struck me?
Smitten by love or seeking more of it?

9. They reproached me, she is free and I
Cannot sleep or rest.

10. No seeker has my condition but
I was miserable for her while she is indifferent.

11. When she drew near she blamed me,
And if she was distant her nature was avoidance.

12. She said you are too old now, you are not one of us,
No going back to what passed between you.

13. It suffices me to jest with youths
And a cup whose wine sours.

14. I have left frivolity but life without it
Is not life, for life has no end.

15. A friend's need weighed heavy on him
I took it though it was no light burden.

16. Two yellow cows and a camel I bought
Though the black would have been comelier.

17. The dove reminds me of departed friends
At the ruins, no reunion.

18. A day in the camp of Jusham bin Bakr
I enjoyed but regretMultiply me.

19. When I wish, a generous singer
Of status though not noble birth

20. Pours his voice upon us
As heavy rain pours.

21. When the blond girl incited us
My companion sang and we were secluded together.

22. We drank from the daughters of the vine until
We drained it, leaving no life in it.

23. A living I obtained with struggle
Is the sweetest living that struggle brings.

24. Possessions I bestowed upon them
Not equal to the Nile at fullest flood.

25. For some I was generous but some
Were like sea water, undesired.

26. Generosity is no pretense but
Horses run the course set for them.

27. A lad with whom I stayed but
With a spirit exposing hardship.

28. The plague of Bani Mahallab's foes
He goes out against them and they flee.

29. When the winds blow past Rooh's tomb
Gold flows and the structure stands beautifully.

30. His weapon contains a mighty king
Before whom is awe and his rule judicious.

31. The torrents of Iraq when unleashed
Upon its heroes bring white mourning.

32. By his grace live the weak and lowly
As the land lives when rain comes.

33. A slave girl from lofty stock
Led to kings, she cannot be guided.

34. She delights you when met but you do not see her
Yet the generous gives his wealth for her.

35. I say to her, having gone out by night
In counsel, and counsel takes effort:

36. Visit Rooh, you will not find one like Rooh
Should old age bind you.

37. When a place fit for a king loses Rooh
He who comes to it finds no rest.

38. An envier of the dome built for Rooh
Extolled its pillars which ancients and time have erected

39. So I said to him, I see you envy Rooh
For sovereignty is envied by subjects.

40. Endure, die not in envy and sorrow
For Rooh whose reign while you have naught.

41. Rooh has led the armies against you
With fathers who commanded and led,

42. Of those who descended on death
And if they brought you good, have returned.

43. How will you fare if you war with Rooh?
You will fail and loads of woe burden you.

44. The kings of two lands contested him
And virtues prevail but are not overcome.

45. Abu Khalaf, yours is the highest nobility
And the house of Bani Mahallab and family line.

46. When present you are their axis
And if absent you are not sought.

47. The tribes return to you bearing gifts
As `Aad returned to the idols.

48. Your hospitality is vast and your gifts plentiful
Your adornment, the sunoor and spears.

49. One hand of yours remains for the lofty
The other for generosity is lauded.

50. You ascend to the heights and advance war
While slumber eludes your vigilance.