Sol 5.6

  1. Where, O driver of the she-camels, are the tents?

    The travelers grew drunk with longing and wandered distraught.

  2. Repeat the call, that we may see the white camels take flight

    toward those tents—for distance is a deadly poison.

  3. A passion has come upon us, a fire born of yearning,

    and in our hearts it has kindled a blaze.

  4. It burns fiercely: neither are the ghada trees near,

    nor can even the side of al-Ghuwayr be glimpsed.

  5. And the hills of al-Jarbāʾ lie far from us,

    as do the broad mountain passes and the hillocks.

  6. Come, croon of the encampment, and revive the mounts

    after their death; no blame will fall on you.

  7. How often my whole soul has been revived by mere words—

    words that pour wine into the ear.

  8. Sing to us of the noble ones, the lords of Salʿ;

    for the noble surely love the noble.

  9. Recite their tidings to us; for when

    they are recited, passion flares within us.

  10. Masters who ennobled existence, and through whom

    the days shone bright after their darkness.

  11. They refined our natures through guidance, and from them

    the splendor of truth is upheld among humankind.

  12. Throughout creation, east and west, has spread

    the radiance of their fasting and prayer.

  13. They spread justice when they rolled up the darkness of oppress—

    —ion; from them every mind draws its order.

  14. May my soul, and every discerning soul, ransom

    their justice, their learning, and their inspiration!

  15. They taught us how hearts journey toward God,

    until they became open expanses and the murk was swept away.

  16. Through them we reached the Presence of Holi—

    —ness, honored and radiant; how sweet the station!

  17. The mystics are intoxicated by their diwā—

    —n of unseen revelation, cup after cup.

  18. One state of theirs sets secrets soaring,

    secrets embroidered with reverence and modesty.

  19. I swear by their radiant shrines,

    and by them—through whom oaths are made solemn—

  20. never has the camel-driver sung of them

    but the company, drunk with passion, sat down and rose.

  21. Let go, let go all existence but them;

    apart from the secret of their path, all is illusion.

  22. Follow them, and beware being fettered by this wor—

    —ld, for the traces of its existence are dreams.

  23. Be content with God and align yourself with their guidance;

    blessed are such contentment and such accord!

  24. Do not fear the servitude of time, if you

    place your trust in them; you shall not be wronged.

  25. They are the safeguard of souls, inwardly and openly;

    upon them be peace upon peace.

Sol 5.6