1. I recalled my youth after a time
So my past madness returned to me

2. And my heart yearned for the Hijaz
So its passion was stirred after tranquility

3. Does a man seek virtue from me
When I have little knowledge of certainty?

4. Gently! My deeds are serious matters
That make the heads of centuries turn gray

5. How many a night have I ridden a steed
And by morning found myself in a mighty fortress

6. With my rein calling to me from my left
And my sword blaming me on my right

7. Should another take virtue while tomorrow is vile
And enjoy wealth and possessions without me?

8. How much does a noble one complain of an ignoble one
And how much does the pure suffer from the impure?

9. And my enemies found no fault in me
Yet blamed me for the color of my eyes

10. In adversities, I have no helper
Other than Qays in whom is my certainty

11. Noble in calamities, I hope in him
Just as he chooses me for noble deeds

12. Indeed, the rope of the sheltering one has grown firm
I clung to the strong rope

13. Of the generous folk, and they are suns
Though they do not disappear in darkness

14. When they witness passion, you say "A lion
Of the slim lionesses in a den"

15. O king who has attained the highest degrees
To you I have fled, so be my helper

16. You have detached yourself from good fortune
In a lofty, peerless place

17. So one who opposes you is in severe humiliation
And one who supports you, in clear honor