Sol 6.1

  1. راح الَّذي يبدي عَلى ما قَد جَرى

    في بُيوت يطربن الحُضور خطابها

    He begins to tell of what has come to pass,

    In verses whose address delights those present.

  2. ماج الغَرام وفاض مثل النوفرا

    وَارزم دَليلي وَانعطف بقرابها

    Love surged and overflowed like a fountain,

    And my heart thundered and turned toward her nearness.

  3. خضيتها ولجيتها لا ما سَرى

    فكري وَطرسي وَالقَلم بكتابها

    I plunged into it and entered it when there set forth

    My thought, my page, and my pen to write it.

  4. من بَحر هايج لا دفق سيل الفَرا

    يرسم مَعاني من ضَميري جابها

    From a raging sea, when al-Fara's torrent surged,

    It draws meanings brought from my innermost heart.

  5. طاعَت لَنا مِنغير عسر وَقهقري

    راعي مَعانيها وَرَشيق اشنابها

    It yielded to us without hardship or retreat.

    Consider its meanings and its graceful teeth,

  6. بفنون محبوكات عقد الجوهرا

    في جيد غيد مِن المَها يَغوى بِها

    With interwoven arts, a necklace of jewels

    On the neck of a slender, oryx-like beauty who enchants.

  7. يعسر عَلى الشعار قافي لانقرا

    وَمَنقود عن أَهل الذَكا وَاربابها

    A rhyme that, when read, proves difficult for poets,

    And is appraised by the discerning and its masters.

  8. سار القلم يطبع كَلامي باسطرا

    مِن فُوق طَلحيه بَدا يملى بِها

    The pen began setting down my words in lines;

    Upon a sheet it began filling them in.

  9. يَشرَح قَوافي في حُروف مفسرا

    يَفهَم مَعانيها الكَليل وَما بِها

    It explains rhymes in clearly expounded letters,

    So even the dull-witted understand its meanings and contents.

  10. عَيني عَلى طَيف المدلل ساهِرَة

    لا جن لَيلي صابَني سرسابها

    My eye stays wakeful for the pampered one's phantom;

    When my night darkens, her shiver seizes me.

  11. أَرعى الثريا وَالنُجوم السامرا

    لا ما يبيح من الظَلام حجابها

    I watch the Pleiades and the stars keeping vigil,

    Until darkness lifts its veil.

  12. اندب وَنوح الدَمع من عَيني جَرى

    مِن فَوق مصفر الوجان سطابها

    I lament and wail; tears flow from my eye

    And stream over my yellowed cheeks.

  13. يا محنتي مالي شَفاعة وَمَغفِرَة

    دائي دَفين وَعلَتي أَدرى بِها

    Oh, my ordeal! I have neither intercession nor forgiveness.

    My illness is hidden; I know my affliction best.

  14. مَهبول ناري بالضماير مسعرا

    من واهجاً تَلا الضَمير حوابها

    Maddened, my fire blazes in my innermost depths,

    From a blaze whose flames pursue the heart.

  15. لَو قرطياني صرف جيد مذرذرا

    من تون قَلباً ما بطل حطابها

    Were you two to cut me, pure, fine fragments would scatter,

    From the furnace of a heart whose stoker never stops.

  16. يا لايمي يبليك رَبي باكبرا

    مِن بَلوَتي بسر النَبي وَصحابها

    O my reproacher, may my Lord afflict you with something greater

    Than my affliction, by the sanctity of the Prophet and his companions.

  17. من عقب ذا شديت فَوق مشمرا

    علميتا توو مشوك نابها

    After this, I saddled a fleet mount,

    A young she-camel whose canine had only just sprouted.

  18. تَهيتا حره زعاع مضمرا

    تسبق نَسيم الريح في مطلابها

    I readied her, purebred, swift, and lean;

    She outstrips the wind's breeze in her pursuit.

  19. مَن ساس هجنا ذاريات عَلى السَرى

    عِندَ التياها قَصَها وَنسابها

    From the stock of riding camels scattering dust on night journeys,

    Her pedigree and ancestry lie with the Tiyaha.

  20. سميتها عليا الرديني اشكرا

    طبت عَلى النايف بختهم جابها

    I named her Alya al-Rudayni openly;

    She came to al-Nayif; their good fortune brought her.

  21. مَفتولة الذرعان نابية الذَرا

    مثل الريال خفوفها وَركابها

    Sinewy in the forelegs, high at the withers,

    Her footpads and knees are like riyal coins.

  22. وَفخاذها مثل الضروف مبترا

    وَزوره عَلى حوف المجيدي دابها

    Her thighs are like compact, cut-short pouches,

    And her breast follows the rim of a majidi coin.

  23. شعلا شَبيه الظَبي جيدها وَانحرا

    عَينه كَما المقباس سود هدابها

    Tawny, with neck and throat resembling a gazelle's,

    Her eye is like a firebrand, her lashes black.

  24. ما هي جوادان قلت شامورا جَرى

    لجلج وَطاب الريح مع ركابها

    She is no steed of which I would say, 'A Shamur ran,'

    Clattering along, with a pleasant breeze beside her rider.

  25. وَلا مثل هيج الظَليم الأعفَرا

    ثور عَلَيهِ وَمَن رَماه اخطابها

    Nor is she like the startled flight of a dust-gray ostrich,

    Roused in fright and missed by whoever shot at it.

  26. تشداك خطاف السَحاب الياجرى

    مِن فَوق متن الريح مثل هبابها

    She resembles a cloud-snatching bird when she runs,

    Above the wind's back, like its gusts.

  27. وَشداد من شغل القَصيم موسرا

    مِن عود ميس مرصعات قتابها

    A lavish saddle from the craftsmen of al-Qasim,

    Its frame of inlaid hackberry wood.

  28. مَنسوف عادل ثَمين محررا

    يرهج وَريش الهيج فَوق جَنابها

    A fringed covering, balanced, costly, and finely wrought,

    Flutters, with ostrich feathers above her flanks.

  29. وَالميركة مثل الوسادة مطورا

    بِالريش كل من شافها يَغوى بِها

    The saddle seat is like a cushion, ornamented

    With feathers; everyone who sees it is captivated.

  30. وَخرج العَقيلي باثمن ما ينشرا

    عمل الطَموح اليا اسخرت لحبابها

    And an Aqili saddlebag, among the costliest one can buy,

    The work of a yearning woman applying herself for her loved ones.

  31. لا ما غَدَت اللي تريدو لك قَرا

    برني لَذيذ وَتَمر خاص زَهابها

    When she sets out, whatever you desire is there as your fare:

    Delicious Barni dates and choice dates are her provisions.

  32. وَتحزم بحدبة عَريضة مخضرا

    وَتفنكتك دم العِدى خضابها

    Gird yourself with a broad, green-gleaming curved blade,

    And your rifle, dyed with the blood of foes;

  33. فَرداً مسدس تَحتَ سَيف مُجَوهَرا

    وَصُفوف مِن صَرف الفشك يَحشى بِها

    A six-shot pistol beneath a jewel-studded sword,

    And rows of fine cartridges with which it is loaded.

  34. وَلم هداك اللَه فَوق مضمرا

    تَسبق هبوب الريح في مطلابها

    Gather yourself—God guide you—upon a lean mount

    That outstrips the gusting wind in her pursuit.

  35. أَنتَ ابن قَوم جَواد شَوق مخدرا

    احفظ وَصاتي وَسير يا ركابها

    You are the son of a noble people, beloved of a secluded maiden;

    Remember my counsel and go, O her rider.

  36. الأَوله بِأَرض التراك الفَجرا

    أَمشي إِذا سدل الظَلام حجابها

    First, in the land of the wicked Turks,

    Travel when darkness has lowered its veil.

  37. الترك لا ضب الظَلام الأَسمَرا

    نامَت سَكارى مِن لَذيذ شَرابَها

    The Turks, when dusky darkness settles,

    Sleep drunkenly from their delicious drink.

  38. بِأَرض العَرب خليك فَرز محذرا

    البَدو ليل نَهار مثل ذيابها

    In Arab lands, stay alert and on your guard;

    The Bedouin, night and day, are like wolves.

  39. مِن دون مَقسوم المهيمن ما جَرى

    قَوي جَنانك وَاِمتَطى مرقابها

    Nothing happens outside the Almighty's allotment;

    Strengthen your heart and climb her lookout.

  40. أَما أَنت قبل القفل هون وَاقهَرا

    وَعقب الثَلاثة هوزَها بمشعابها

    But before the caravan, slow down and hold her back;

    And after three, urge her onward with her goad.

  41. دركتها للمصطَفى خَير الوَرى

    يَحفَظ من أَولاد الزِنا رِكابها

    I entrust her protection to the Chosen One, the best of humankind;

    May he guard her rider from the sons of fornication.

  42. العَصر مِن سيناب ثور وَانهرا

    اجمح عَليها السُور وَاترك بابها

    In the afternoon, rise from Sinop and drive her onward;

    Leap her over the wall and leave its gate.

  43. الدَرب عا بيواط يَلعَن منظَرا

    كروستاً ما ينزعج قضابها

    The road to Biwat—accursed be its appearance!

    A carriage whose reinsman is not shaken.

  44. مِنها عَلى صمصون دربك نَحرا

    مينا عَلى شَط البَحر يَرسى بِها

    From there, take your road straight toward Samsun,

    A port upon the seashore where ships anchor.

  45. جَنب وَطخ النَضو يا ذيب الشَرا

    مَع كُل دار وَدار لا تَعني بِها

    Turn south and drive the lean camel, O wolf of al-Shara;

    Pass every dwelling and trouble yourself with none.

  46. مِن عقب ست أَيام تَلفي لنقرا

    ضَيف الرُبوع المثلنا غيابها

    After six days you will reach Ankara,

    A guest of the folk whose exiles are like ourselves.

  47. مَلفاك أَبو فارس رَئيس المشورا

    قرم عَنيد من الشُيوخ نصابها

    Your destination is Abu Faris, head of the council,

    An unyielding stalwart, a pillar among the sheikhs.

  48. سلم عَلى رَبعو الجَميع مبادرا

    وَاللي يريد يخط شيل كتابها

    Promptly greet all his people,

    And whoever wishes to write, carry their letter.

  49. وَمنها عَلي ربع لنا بشاهر قَرا

    سلم عليهم يا رسل وَامرح بها

    From there, to our companions in Shahr Qara;

    Greet them, O messenger, and spend the night there.

  50. ملفاك أَبو نجم الحسام الأَبترا

    الجُود وَالتَقوى كسبها وَجابها

    Your destination is Abu Najm, the severing sword;

    Generosity and piety he earned and brought with him.

  51. ردد سَلامي عالجَميع مكررا

    وَاللي يريد يخط شيل كتابها

    Repeat my greetings to everyone, again and again,

    And whoever wishes to write, carry their letter.

  52. عَلى يوزغاد بها سباع مجنزرا

    السَيف وَالتَقوى الجَميع أَربابها

    On to Yozgad, where there are armored lions;

    Of the sword and piety, all are masters.

  53. تَلفي عَلى إِبراهيم حر الكاسرا

    مع آل عساف الجَميع أَنجابها

    You will reach Ibrahim, a noble, striking falcon,

    With the house of Assaf, all its worthy sons.

  54. سلم عَلى اللي بيوزغار مقررا

    وَاللي يريد يخط شيل كتابها

    Give my greetings once more to those in Yozghar,

    And whoever wishes to write, carry their letter.

  55. وَيوم الشَمس يبدي صفاراً أَحمَرا

    زوع وَحث النَضو يا ركابها

    When the sun shows a reddish yellow,

    Set off and urge the lean camel, O her rider.

  56. عا قيسرية الدَرب بين أَشكرا

    يا حيف عاشيوخ الجبل يغدوبها

    Toward Kayseri, the road is plainly clear;

    Alas for the mountain's sheikhs who end up there!

  57. مَلفاك أَبو قاسم عويرض لاجرا

    وَخَلفه هَزيمة حيي لَيثاً جابَها

    Your destination is Abu Qasim Uwayrid, when he comes running,

    And behind him, Hazima; greet the lion who brought her.

  58. أَهدي الجَميع أَزكَى السَلام مُمطِرا

    وَاللي يُريد يَخط شيل كتابها

    Shower everyone with the purest greetings,

    And whoever wishes to write, carry their letter.

  59. وَمِنها عَلى مَد الكَريم تيسرا

    طخ الهَجينة وسير يا ركابها

    From there, proceed easily with the Generous One's aid;

    Drive the riding she-camel and go, O her rider.

  60. عا أَدنا ما به مفاجي ومشورا

    وَعَلى حَلب أَما عَلى عنتابها

    Toward Adana, without turning aside or detouring,

    And on to Aleppo, or to Antep.

  61. وَمنها عَلى حُمص وَحَماه تحدرا

    تَلفي دمشق وَما غلقن بوابها

    From there, descend toward Homs and Hama;

    Reach Damascus before its gates have closed.

  62. حيي دمشق الشام باهي مَنظَرا

    يُنعش فُؤاد المُستَهام شَرابَها

    Greet Damascus of Syria, splendid in appearance;

    Its drink revives the lovesick heart.

  63. وَفيها بَعد النا رُبوع يَأسرا

    مِن كُل جيهة قاضيين صحابها

    There we also have companions held captive,

    Companions from every quarter, passing their days there.

  64. سلم عَلى يحيى الشجاع الحَيدرا

    وَعيال أَبو صالح اسودة غابها

    Greet Yahya, the brave lion,

    And the sons of Abu Salih, lions of the forest.

  65. وَاللي بحبس الشام من كل القرى

    اللي يريد يخط شيل كتابها

    And those in Damascus prison from every village—

    Whoever wishes to write, carry their letter.

  66. الصُبح يَوم الضو يُبدي أَحمَرا

    اجلس كضما الشاهين بين قنابها

    In the morning, when the light appears red,

    Sit huddled like a peregrine between its wings.

  67. من الشام عانجها تَرى طاب السَرى

    عبراق دَرب الهجن ياركابها

    From Damascus, turn her reins; night travel is pleasant,

    Via Buraq, along the riding camels' road, O her rider.

  68. يبديك حُوران العَذية الأَنوَرا

    تراعي هَضابه مثل رَكم سحابها

    Fresh, radiant Hauran will come into your view;

    You will see its hills like heaps of its clouds.

  69. كَيفَ ما وَصلت بِخَير ما هِيَ معذرا

    عَن مهجتك مثل ركم سحابها

    Once you arrive safely, there is no excuse,

    For your soul—like its heaped clouds [sense unclear].

  70. وَاِرتاح من عقب التَعب وَالقهقرى

    وَسرح ذَلولك في لَذيذ عشابها

    Rest after the toil and backtracking,

    And turn your tame she-camel loose in its sweet grasses.

  71. ملفا هجينتك النجيبا الضامرا

    من بُراق سند لا ملح وَجنابها

    The stopping place of your noble, lean riding camel:

    From Buraq, head uphill to Milh and its surroundings,

  72. لمتان لا ذيبين لرساس وَعرا

    لا دامَت العَليا المجيع أَولى بِها

    To Imtan, to Dhibin, to Rasas and Ara.

    May high honor not endure—the hungry man has more right to it.

  73. ما طب حُوران الكرم وَالغندرا

    سلم عَلى شبانها وَشيابها

    When you enter Hauran, land of generosity and proud bearing,

    Greet its young men and its elders.

  74. ذولي بَني مَعروف أَهل العَنتَرا

    لاجوا الصَوافن يَنطَحوا ركابها

    Those are Bani Ma'ruf, people of Antara-like valor;

    When the steeds come, they confront their riders.

  75. فُرسان في اليَوم الثَقيل الأَكبَرا

    يَوم الفرنجي مثل رَشق سحابها

    Horsemen on the gravest, greatest day,

    When the Frank's fire falls like a cloudburst.

  76. ياما عراضي ذوقوها المرمرا

    من فعل أسود كشرون نيابها

    How many armies they have made taste bitterness,

    Through the deeds of lions baring their fangs!

  77. وَباتوا كمد قوادها بالقهقرى

    وَخنت عَلَيهُم وَالعَليم أَدرى بِها

    Their commanders became grief-stricken in retreat,

    And there was betrayal against them—the All-Knowing knows best.

  78. أَهل المُروءة وَالشَهامة معبرا

    أَهل الكَرم جر المَناسف دابها

    People of manly virtue and manifest gallantry,

    People of generosity, whose custom is bringing forth feast platters.

  79. ياما بمضايفهم قَهاوي مبهرا

    وَياما عَرايا جددون ثِيابها

    How much spiced coffee is served in their guesthouses!

    How many unclothed people they have given fresh clothes!

  80. وَيا ما عطوا سَرد السَلايل نومرا

    جُود وَكَرم بلبوسها وَركابها

    How many sleek, purebred horses they have given, bearing their brands,

    In generosity and largesse, with their trappings and riders!

  81. أَهل الشيم صلفين عَن دُون الوَرى

    خاص العَشاير يحسبون حسابها

    People of noble qualities, proud above other folk;

    The foremost tribes reckon with their worth.

  82. من آل مَعروف الثقات الطهرا

    في سلسلة ما شركون نسابها

    From the trustworthy, pure family of Ma'ruf,

    In a lineage whose ancestry they have not shared.

  83. وَلا خالطوا غج العَشاير وَالقَرى

    وَلا ناسبوا من غيرهم طلابها

    Nor mingled with the riffraff of tribes and villages,

    Nor intermarried with outsiders who sought their women.

  84. وَلا ساوموا العبدات في بَيع وَشَرا

    وَلا السَراري يكتبون كتابها

    Nor bargained over enslaved women in selling and buying,

    Nor drawn up marriage contracts for concubines.

  85. وَلا استمتعوا الخفرات هذا ما جَرى

    مثل العتالي لا بغاما جابها

    Nor taken modest women in temporary marriage—this is what happened—

    Like al-Atali, when he brought a lowing creature [sense unclear].

  86. وَلا جحشوها بالزتا وَصارَت مَرا

    وَحلت عُقب ثاني رجل لصحابها

    Nor had her mounted in illicit intercourse and made into a wife,

    Then lawful to her former partner after a second man.

  87. القَصد من أَعلا الطَوايف وَالذرا

    شوص المعامع مع ليوثة غابها

    The point is: among the highest communities and summits,

    Fierce warriors of battle, with the lions of their forest.

  88. اللَه يَعز بلادنا وَيوقرا

    من شَر حاسود يريد خَرابَها

    May God exalt our homeland and honor it,

    Against the evil of an envious man who desires its ruin.

  89. مني هدوجتكم عَروس معطرا

    من فَوق سَبع بُحور من سينابها

    From me comes to you a perfumed bride, swaying in her howdah,

    Over seven seas, from Sinop.

  90. تَهدي لَكُم زاهي جَميلا مَنظَرا

    من قيما زَفه وَزان خضابها

    She presents you with a radiant, beautiful sight,

    From the one who led her bridal procession and adorned her henna.

  91. أَلف الصَلاة عَلى النَبي مكررا

    عَلى عَدد قطر النَدى وَسحابها

    A thousand blessings upon the Prophet, repeated,

    As numerous as drops of dew and its clouds.

  92. يَشفَع لَنا يَوم الحَشر بِالمَغفرا

    وَيفكنا من وَحشها وَذيابها

    May he intercede for our forgiveness on the Day of Gathering,

    And free us from its beasts and its wolves.