1. The banner's pole has crimson silk fluttering,
It waves like the title of an eloquent book.

2. It is shielded from insult by every glorious knight,
Its lightning in the clouds needs no sword or spear.

3. With roaring like the longing moan of angels,
Matching the yearning call of the bereaved.

4. I stood with it defying the Ottoman hordes-
When the memory stirs events pour forth again.

5. Did your eyes see our oryxes yesterday,
The smooth hips of antelope in the sanctuary?

6. It was as if the hollow ships were rocking
With their sails above the humped sand.

7. Brave men whose origin is mystery and nomads
Subdue the lairs of mystery and nomads.

8. They straighten the bent spears and straight swords
With deeds like tent pegs firmly driven in.

9. You'd think each glowing meteor was
A naked sword when it shoots through the gloom.

10. One who misspeaks but will not stop his banter
I rebuke, though he's a soul both pained and vexed.

11. So I said to him, "Your passion has muddled you-
Love is a sovereign who reigns over reason."

12. As the yearning camels stride toward Minā,
Softly stirring grit in every drifting dune,

13. Rending the ties of passion when night
Covers the crowds with its dark gown.

14. Every red tent has a free beauty
And the pole at the tent's center flickers and spins.

15. At each beloved minaret a seeker
Of God's approval-the noblest quest.

16. A sanctuary for every guest who comes
Seeking lodging during nights of pilgrimage.

17. Leading the solitary orphan to hope
Though his dream of kin may ever be denied.

18. I beam at my guests with joyous welcome
And give them my bounty without reserve.

19. A band of raiders came howling like dogs
But my heralds' voices did not lie.

20. I sent them envoys; high flew their banners
Like brocade atop a lofty dome.

21. When the raiders saw them they cried "God is Great!"
And turned, answering the fiery call.

22. I called out, "Welcome!" and met them with peace
And my swords though ready did not threaten.

23. Facing me was an arid desert, as if
It were Dahna's plateau or stony ground.

24. I charged the first part and it collapsed,
Falling inert into the sandy wadi.

25. I surprised another part whichprotected itself-
My swords buzzed around it in orbits.

26. Then I leaned my weight into a stubborn stretch
And it yielded like a docile bride.

27. I subdued it then summoned my servants;
They came like preying eagles respond when called.

28. Be they sawyers, sheep-shearers, tent-stitchers,
Firelighters, water-carriers, or tent peg pounders,

29. Bearing water or pitching tents for guests
Which, for the guest, is service's highest duty.

30. Such are my ways, still as they were before,
My father and grandfather were the same.