يا صبا الأسحار هجت أشواقي

فاشرح الأخبار عند أرفاقي

O east wind of the predawn hours, you have stirred my longings.

So recount the tidings among my companions.

إن وجدي نحو نجد

ليت يجدي كلما قد ثار

Indeed, my yearning is toward Najd;

would that it might avail whenever it flares!

هذه سلمى أقبلت تختال

ثغرها الألمي لي سقى الجريال

Here is Salma, approaching with a proud sway.

Her dark-lipped mouth gave me crimson wine to drink.

يا رفيقي في طريقي

ضاق زيقي فاهتك الأستار

O my companion on my path,

my collar has grown tight—so rend the veils.

دار في الحضرهْ لابس الأثواب

لي به نظرهْ وهي فتح الباب

The wearer of robes whirled in the Presence.

I have a glimpse of him, and it opens the door.

جل أمري ذات خدر

راق خمري دارت الأدوار

My chief concern is a lady secluded in her bower.

My wine grew clear; the cycles turned.

عج على الوادي سائق الأظعان

نغمة الحادي هاجت الركبان

Turn aside to the valley, driver of the camel caravans.

The camel-driver's melody stirred the riders.

والأغاني للمعاني

كالمباني تظهر الأسرار

And songs, in service of meanings,

are like buildings that reveal secrets.

يا غنيْ عبدَكْ دائماً صلّى

للذي عندَكْ في العلا جلا

O Self-Sufficient One, Your servant has always invoked blessings

for him who shone in the heights in Your presence.

وهو طه نال جاها

يتباهى بعطا الجبار

And he is Taha, who attained high standing,

glorying in the Almighty's bounty.