تثنى وأغصان الأراك نواضر

تثنى وأغصان الأراك نواضر

ونحت وأسراب من الطير عكف

ونحت وأسراب من الطير عكف

He swayed while the arak branches were fresh and green.

The branches of the wild tamarisk bend low,

And I wailed while flocks of birds were gathered.

And flocks of birds circle overhead.

فعلم بانات اللوى كيف تنثني

فعلم بانات اللوى كيف تنثني

وعلمت ورقاء الحمى كيف تهتف

وعلمت ورقاء الحمى كيف تهتف

So he taught the bān trees of al-Liwā how to sway.

Thus the beloved maidens learn to sway,

And I taught the gray dove of the protected pasture how to call out.

And the shy virgins chant their refrain.