من لي بأن ترد الحجاز وغيرها

أخبار طيب مواردي ومصادري

Who will bring me news from the Hijaz and elsewhere

Of the fine arrivals and departures of my friends?

زارت بي الأيام أكرم ساحة

فوق الثرى فغدوت أكرم زائر

The days have honored me with their visit

And over the earth I have become the most noble visitor.

ووفدت ألتمس الكرامة والغنى

فرجعت من كل بحظ و افر

I came seeking bounty and wealth,

But returned deprived of all hope and empty-handed.

فكأن مكة قال صادق فالها

سافر تعد نحوي بوجه سافر

It was as if Mecca had told me in truth:

"Depart, for towards me you voyage in vain."