1. I rode, and my steed swayed with joy
Beneath me a fire-breather

2. Biting his bit insolently
As a babe bites the breast

3. In the middle of the meadow he impresses me
With his pride or playfulness

4. Under the saddle he carries me
High-headed, high-tailed

5. Galloping joyfully
His eyes of flames

6. And if I chide him at night
Tomorrow he rushes like fury

7. And when I look at him, delighted
At the apples and grapes

8. I saw a farm girl who had let loose
Her hair to pick the blossoms close by

9. So I said to her, “Daughter of pastureland
Will you give to sustain my father

10. With good water to drink?”
She said, “Who are you?” I said,

11. “My mistress, an Arab youth
Full of love, recollection, and song and joy

12. He has poetry of love
That tells of weeping lovers.”

13. She said, “Stranger, I see you
Are gentle and cultured

14. And you look to be
Sincere and of noble lineage

15. Visit us, our home is over there
You will be my father’s guest

16. Dismount and rest
Far from heat and fatigue

17. For your steed our meadow, and for you
Hospitality - so answer my request”

18. I said, “That gives me honor
And is the way of Arabs

19. But I am on a journey
So my excuse is clear”

20. “May God reward you, lovely one
With good, for your kindness to me”

21. She came, smiling,
With a cup that eased my anxiety

22. And rekindled in my breast a passion
For lips shaped of gold