1. Behold the monk chanting at dawn,
His warbling hastens as the boughs rustle.

2. The hue of his hood resembles Father of Qabus,
Like a pearl-studded crown raised loftily.

3. Adorned with carnelian around his altar,
Were you not lending an ear, plaiting braids?

4. As if a ringdove roosted on a devotees chest
Finding company loathsome unless selling itself.

5. When the shepherds of night rested their flock
Of stars grazing the boughs.

6. He shook his banner despite his advanced years
Swaying, rising, then settling gently.

7. Then persisted melodiously in song,
Trilling, his clear tones rising.

8. When he commenced, flocks gathered about
Like desert beasts roaring at dawn vying in estimation.

9. I roused him as revelers overstayed their welcome,
Saying arise, relieve us of the care that consumed us!

10. Turn your visage from the water this day
Until you see the sleepers departing.

11. So he stood, cloaked like the rising moon
The gazelle glancing back, the bough inclining.

12. The smoothness of his cheeks softened, were they to glance
Or wish, they would cease their resistance.

13. As if a Qaf were inscribed above his cheek
And its scribe had flourished a thousand whorls.

14. After beholding his countenance, I said
That suffices me in place of wine cups and more.

15. He shone brilliantly, matching the full moon
Parting our company, or fire meeting kindling.

16. In the radiance as he rose revived at dawn
His cheek and my companions lit our abode sufficiently.

17. Bright as barely yellowed by jaundice, yet you see
Scattered above it, shells of scattered pearl.

18. Ceaselessly, for thirty-one days, and for
Fifteen days more he persevered, not tiring or relenting,

19. I peer through the chink of two lustrous pearls, pure,
Sweet, taking a draught - never have I drunk so deeply.

20. That I imagined him a cupbearer of Khawali,
And my boon companion, the choicest of successors.