1. We spent nights on the soft sand
With a vast, wide-stepping camel,

2. Bearing all supplies - its body half its load's size,
And tall, saddle-cloths trailing the ground.

3. You see the roaming bedouin scattering its roots around -
Tracks of galloping riding-beasts crisscrossing.

4. When they depart a camp, it seems long inhabited
By thronging fair-goers contending in races.

5. We march, so gazelles cannot outrun us
Though they strained utmost to escape.

6. Leave the lowlands of Syria - blocking the way
Are deadly blows like the maws of labouring she-camels.

7. By hands of men emigrating to their Lord,
And His allies in truth, and the angels' hands.

8. If houris descend from the sands of Alaj,
Say to them the road does not lie that way.

9. And if we meet Furat ibn Hayyan in our rounds searching,
He will be prey to perishing ruin.

10. And if next we meet Qais ibn Imri al-Qais,
We'll add more blackness to his darkened face.

11. So pass on to Abu Sufyan from me a message -
You are the wickedest of treacherous men.