Sol 5.6

  1. Indeed, I spent the night in longing born of nearness and distance,

    because I am near Syria, yet far from Najd.

  2. My day is grievous, and the tears within it are my misery;

    this is my state, my friend: longing upon longing.

  3. He whom I treat with kindness deals wickedly with me,

    though I offer him pure affection, near and far.

  4. He denies my merit after having borne witness

    to it in my favor in both states, in jest and earnest alike.

  5. Just as the rabbis denied Muhammad’s merit,

    though formerly, concerning him, they upheld covenant and promise.

  6. They pelted me with stones of hurt, just as

    Jacob’s sons cast down their brother Joseph with their own hands.

  7. A decree summoned me to reunite what lay sundered between us—

    a decree by which I deliberately brought myself to ruin.

  8. I came to them, desiring their welfare,

    and told myself: strive earnestly for their benefit.

  9. But when I had spent every effort I possessed, and my eyes

    beheld success’s morning break at the dawning of my aim,

  10. they saw that I deserved their thanks,

    since a kindness is repaid with grateful praise.

  11. So they requited me—but with mistreatment and hurt;

    they gave lavishly—but only hostility and spite.

  12. By my life, they honored none of the rights of neighborliness;

    how vile of them, in all that I conceal and reveal.

  13. And although I have laden them with reproach,

    I surely excuse them, since they stand against me.

  14. I stayed among them, though not content to be near them;

    but the Lord’s decree holds sway over the servant.

  15. And here I am, departing from them, with no regret

    for their nearness; rather, I thank separation as best I can.

  16. I depart in pursuit of noble virtues and the heights,

    and of the light of piety, knowledge, forbearance, and right guidance.

  17. After me they will remain in the dark depths of heedlessness,

    and after I leave, they are the antithesis of noble men’s sons.

  18. My two companions, departure’s hour has come—rejoice!

    For in journeying are signs of mastery and glory.

  19. We must urge the camels onward in quest of the heights

    until earnest endeavor alights at the dawning of good fortune.

Sol 5.6