Sol 5.6

  1. So we pressed onward, while dawn smiled in the eas—

    —t toward us, heralding morning.

  2. The Pleiades were like a banner, or like a goblet,

    or fingers, or a bird, or a sash.

  3. The stars seemed to be in a cupbearer’s hand,

    tumbling as goblets tumble.

  4. We brought together sidelong glances and wi—

    —ne, and cheeks and apples;

  5. we breathed the violet of the temple-lock, until

    white daisies greeted us from smiling mouths—

  6. a bygone age, built of pleasure and drinking,

    of song, ease, and delight.

  7. My refuge is the Nahr Ma‘qil; if I seek res—

    —t at a lodging, it is Dayr Najāḥ.

  8. My life, with all it contains, toward wi—

    —ne is turned—or toward fair beauties.

  9. My mount, like my tresses, is a dusky bla—

    —ck; my companion and my wine resemble them both.

Sol 5.6