1. Does Ubaylah know what horrors I face
In the land of Iraq, evils interlace

2. My uncle with deceit and tricks has tried
To rob me of my rightful marriage prize

3. With my own soul I crossed the sea of death
To Iraq I went with no friends, no guests

4. I led the camels and sheep and goats ahead
Burning inside from the fires of love unfed

5. I had not gone far when the dust arose
Behind me, from the purebred horses' toes

6. Dust settled over every little place
And sparks flew up from each horse’s pace

7. Below them warriors roared out loud
I thought it was thunder from behind a cloud

8. I turned back knowing my uncle vile
Had schemed against me all this while

9. I charged the horsemen as they sped
With stabs at chests and flanks instead

10. I did not stop until each rider's steed
Fell back, outrun in dash and speed

11. Dismounting, with my sword I drove them back
Like herding sheep down an icy track

12. As daylight waned, my arms grew weak
Captured was I, my knees no longer sleek

13. A sea of men poured over me
With waves of the thick-woven infantry

14. To a generous king they led me forth
Exalted, lofty his name and worth

15. Before him there I met a dreadful sight
Foul of face and bitter bite

16. With a visage like a shield's far side
Fires blazing from his hate inside

17. I severed his vein with a slash of my sword
And returned, though heavy my chains and cord

18. May he grant me my uncle's desire withdrawn
And grace me with camels and goods finely born