1. It is the house though now desolate of them,
And I in it live though they in travel are.

2. I fixed here my glance though my tears flowed free,
No excuse for me had I, had I patience store.

3. As though my days with their purpose charged
Slept in this place, to meet them ne’er woke they or stirred

4. I fancied it an arena and theater,
And a dream, as though piercing showers its sand had blurred.

5. Leave the mention of Buثn now passed, back returns it not,
For that is Time, turned away, and this Time’s wont.

6. Desolate, bleached robes like wilderness wastes,
As though she were bereaved mother, whom sorrows hurt.

7. Gardens laughter-thronged has she, roses above,
And languid eyes, sleepless all night, fever’s smart.

8. No meadows with blossoms, no dew’s freshness is like
To Salma’s art, or anything sweet, the moon’s work.

9. No rain’s bounty, greening the soil, whose land is as
Though clad in green robes of youth, all smiling, blithe.

10. No plain so wide as a sea where stallions race,
And wealth sinks in its midst, opulent, without dearth.

11. Insistent the pregnant clouds weep over it still,
When their lids drop tears, the flowers laugh in their mirth.

12. Never the dawn’s sun arose or remained at rest,
But over it poised were hearts and eyes alert.

13. As though the music of pipes and the dawn were but
Kindling blaze, no embers glowed in its hearth.

14. As though lightning flashed in the dark from your abode,
The throbbing of hearts came forth from their cage: my breast.

15. I tossed as the travelers leaned ready to ride,
Plunging in the dark, their steeds, and my lids knew no rest,

16. Ice of night wrapped them until they were like
Idols in robes where the moon shines at its best.

17. Till the star doffed the gown of darkness in display,
And their guide said, “ Dawn rent night’s veil pierced its curtain crest.”

18. Their camel litter they loaded when day again
Rose o’er them, as though it were an eagle in flight.

19. An army black as the night though in day conquering,
Crushing foe on land and sea resistless in might.

20. I witnessed many a wry glance and drawing of sword,
On its blade the marks of war and its fearful plight.

21. When the ranks clashed our eyes were parted by
Gleam of swinging white swords and brown lances bright.

22. Back they reeled, tasting what they recognized,
Excuses they had; victory and fame our right.

23. When I mount the steed, sword ready, say to men
To obey their marshal, act as his word and might.

24. Many friends whose troth I never tasted fully
Before fate let slip the chance, treachery's blight.

25. I forgave them, though gratitude be their duty,
Yet no thanks returned they me nor requital's rite.

26. My destined lot from men of rank and station
Whom if I shun, loneliness weighs as a plight.

27. The best of my wealth is theirs when poverty befalls them
And my triumph swift when their might knows defeat.

28. When ease comes to us, our faces show
Open hands and good news the lips recite.