Sol 5.6

  1. I have grown lovestruck, and my heart has fallen in love

    with a fleet mare among the sleek, noble steeds—

  2. one of those purebred horses

    raised alongside ostriches in every valley.

  3. She has two ears that strain to steal a sound

    from the celestial spheres, like two outstretched sails;

  4. and a neck like the gazelle’s, smooth and pure,

    with thick hair of raven black.

  5. Her high-vaulted hooves are firmly planted,

    massive beneath strong pasterns.

  6. Indeed, she comes endowed with noble traits,

    trained until her obedience answers my will.

  7. Never once did she veer toward a camel’s padded gait,

    and we have followed only the paths of right guidance.

  8. An eagle when she speeds over the hills,

    a dust-pale gazelle when she drinks in the hollows.

  9. If you unleash her, she catches up with lightning,

    yet stands wherever you wish, without resistance.

  10. She walks freely, never skittish, with an ample stride,

    and so keeps no eyelid from sleep.

  11. Day after day, she never ceases to invoke blessings

    upon our lord al-Bashir, father of benefactions,

  12. offering him praises in orderly succession,

    whose fragrance breathes of musk and saffron.

  13. She says: “May the Lord preserve you in glory,

    for you have lodged me in the noblest gathering,

  14. in a high meadow radiant with honor and beauty,

    that rises supreme above every neighing steed.

  15. Its clear water gushes forth, pure delight,

    and its barley has increased, increasing my provisions.

  16. You have recompensed us with the sweetness of life

    for the thorn-filled lands we left behind.

  17. Two illustrious men became our neighbors: the cherished one,

    and one exalted in rank, the lord of every foe.

  18. Through serving him, we possess honor and security,

    impregnable against the calamities of hostile powers.

  19. We have won delight and joyful congratulations,

    living in ease amid those uplands.

  20. So live long and fare safely, Bashir, bringer of good, a lord—

    happy and glorious, of lofty standing—

  21. for all the days that steeds set forth at dawn,

    while the lightning of morning rainclouds races their course.

Sol 5.6