1. When at a meadow of blossoms I did stay
The zephyr's breath played round me all the day

2. Though friends had left, no longer here to roam
I dwelt not far from the high road of Qanan.

3. And ere morn's white the dusk fire I would wake
The traveller's wants the flamingbrands bespake.

4. I waved the food, and for his couch out-spread
Raiment where high the camel litters tread.

5. When night's long shadows fell, and not a sprite
Nor spirit roamed, nor any eye could sight,

6. I grasped my arms, and to a man there hied
With breast that mocked the temper of my blade.

7. Then with my baggage fled, while his I bore,
A filthy wretch, whom kites on carrion store.

8. The saddle-bags from me the pick-axe keeps,
Like cliffs surrounding some deep valley's steeps.

9. Morn found me with them, mountains looming round
Whose heads peer from afar above the ground.