سَأَلْتُ صَدِيقاً بِأَمْرِ الوَرَى

خَبِيراً بَصِيراً بِطُرْقِ الهُدَى

I asked a friend, well-versed in the ways of life,

An expert, wise in the paths of guidance-

أَغِيضَ النَّدا من أَكُفٍّ لَهُمْ

فَجَاوَبَني مُنْشِئاً مُنْشِدَا

The rain has ceased from hands that long held it;

He answered me, composing, reciting:

إذا غِيضَ طُوفانُ نُوحٍ فَما

تَعَجُّبُنا أَنْ يَغِيضَ النَّدا

When Noah's flood has passed, should we wonder

That pools of rainwater begin to diminish?