1. The phantom of Abula came to me in a dream
She kissed me thrice through her veil

2. And bid me farewell, leaving behind a blaze
I conceal, yet it rages within my bones

3. Were it not that I seclude myself
And quench with tears ardour’s ember

4. I would have died of sorrow. How I complain that
I envy you, O full moon of perfection

5. O daughter of Malik, how do I console myself
When your love dates back to my infancy?

6. How can I ever draw near you
When lions encircle your abode?

7. By your love! I heal not my heart
Except with patience, O daughter of nobles

8. Until I scale the heights of glory
By spear’s stab or sword’s strike

9. I am the slave you have heard of
I shepherded the beauty of my people since infancy

10. I wander from morn till sunset
And slumber amidst the tent’s folds

11. I humble myself before Abula, so enraptured
Making her the sum of my world

12. And I obey the orders of her father
For love reigns over me, holding my reins

13. I accept her love, willingly or not
Will I have her before death?

14. If she disdains my complexion, it is my pride
For I am a knight of Ham’s lineage

15. In my heart stronger than bastions
My fame like musk’s scent that slumbers

16. Of my wonders, I subdue lions by might
And prey on beasts of prey like eagles

17. Yet Abula’s gazelle entraps me and transcends
Me, outdoing my ardour and perfection

18. By your father! I cannot forget her love
Even if it grinds my bones to dust

19. Upon you O Ubayla each day
Greetings, in peace, in peace