1. Oh messenger of distance through the sky
Lend me your wings, for I have lost my family

2. Tell me, did you know of Malik's death today
And his fall into disgrace and dishonor?

3. If this be true, then for his loss, the stars
Will fade and the twin moons will lose their luster

4. That was a day as black as darkest night
Fearing its harm, grey dawn stayed hidden

5. God bless the eyes that saw the likes of Malik
Pillar of his tribe, foremost among horsemen

6. Would that they had not raced halfway
Would that they had not sent to place their bets

7. Would that both had died in a single town
While Qays missed them, and they went unseen

8. They brought much war and great calamity
To waste away the chiefs of Ghatfan's clan

9. They brought the day of Malik's death, that prince
Proud and glorious midst warriors' ranks

10. To Hijaz tribes he brought protecting wings
Spearing all challengers in times of war

11. With him I stood when pressing foes drew near
Facing their onslaught with all my clan

12. Now his loss has toppled my pillar of strength
Leaving my heart in constant trembling

13. Alas how he fell from his noble steed
While my sword and spear were far from his hands

14. An insistent archer struck the shaft of death
Would that he had struck me down instead!

15. For you will see, if I survive this loss,
If time and age allow me living days

16. I swear if but a moment's glance remained
Your eyes would fill at the sight of me