1. The ruins haunt Hassân no more,
Nor shifting sands the tents that bore,

2. Their stately piles by time laid low
In ancient days of weal and woe.

3. The miscreants their wish attain.
How frail their rope, how rude their rein!

4. A gentle sprite my heart beguiles
And flies when morning dawns and smiles.

5. Can she a wanton elf but be
Who loves the tamarisk's sheltering tree,

6. Or some gazelle with languid eye,
Of gentle pace and purpose shy?

7. Her mouth seems like a pool frost-bound
'Neath shady clouds that hover round.

8. She wears a zone of half-spun thread
By severing steel untwisted.

9. The vintner loosed her long ago.
Slow roll the years in tranquil flow.

10. We quaff her wine unmixed, and sing
Where marble halls melodious ring,

11. Creeping within our veins apace
As writhes the adder in green space.

12. When she enrages, old and young
Their garments fling in triumph flung.

13. The wine I cherish and revere
Is virgin draught, austere though dear,

14. Brought in a jar of ruddy hue
By one whose belt is bright to view,

15. Supple of frame, alert and gay,
To wait the summons of our lay.

16. Of Bassan's grape I bid you think,
That well-nigh dries the body's chink.

17. Away! Your song pursue instead
Of one more gaily clothed and bred,—

18. A wanton girl, whose flowing dress
Proclaims her lawless foolishness.

19. You deem her drunk who gads about
When pipes their signal music shout.

20. Rise, ye Benû Naggâr! for nigh
Comes Suhbâ, fit for deeds of high emprise.

21. Ne'er fail a friend whate'er await,
Nor hand him over to his fate;

22. Make no man's wrong your own despite
What e'er your power in others' might.

23. You ne'er shall lack a champion brave
Whose sword firm planted foes shall stave.