1. Do I see the dawn for this night,
Or the fulfillment of one I've loved as solace?

2. Do I see - for I've fallen in love, so blame me not
For the wounds of yearning that mar my liver.

3. My tears flowed and exposed the feelings
Hidden within, like the scent of musk exudes from its pod,

4. As if I were with the Bani Yazid the day they departed,
Guided by their guide towards Busra, inclined away.

5. I set out impetuously from the house of Rass,
My glance circulating as the pleiades circle in their orbit.

6. "Where did the Bani Yazid go?" I ask,
When the true news has reached me.

7. Do I see, in the pass, a caravan inclining
Like a ladder or stalks of talh wood?

8. Beauties emerged in the mirage, appearing and disappearing,
Phantoms dancing for them in the quivering air.

9. And so I was amazed at an unworthy man,
And gave the noble maiden to a miser.

10. A rich man, but with no spirit of generosity -
Like the hide of an old goat that cannot be tanned.

11. I was patient with him until his vileness appeared,
His brotherhood seeming but bread and salt.

12. One who butters up chiefs, yet is generous at hand
To me with praise, and bounty to him.

13. He brought me his affection and money,
And made me a client; and some of the Nile's flooding is profit.

14. So much for him; but say of Umm Bakr -
I see she does not give, and I do not complain;

15. I saw an apparition of her in the sand,
And to see whom you love brings well-being.

16. And the day I met her at my cistern
Was like driving cattle to be watered at an old well.

17. Questions concerning Umm Bakr come in waves -
She wins, and the flagon circulates to you.

18. When I wish, anxiety from the departed settles on me,
Or a disturbing bout of passion.

19. And they said, "If only you would pardon the Christians!"
By God, you have no pardon for your brother!

20. I yearn for the charms of Umm Bakr,
And without seeing her, long widowhood and marriage!

21. I control myself; final events do not alarm me,
Nor does the inherited death-pall make me blench.

22. Be proud and scornful, not like Ibn Nihya
Whose spear does not avail his spear thrust.

23. Hammād ibn Nihya blames grey hairs,
Yet earns no praise from the youths.

24. The clucking of monkeys suits him -
If he strokes his bald pate, even that is profit!

25. By it is a wound from the sharpened spear,
Yet no wound from things repeated in verse.