Ode XLVI: There came to me by night

There came to me by night a phantom of Sulaima, and kept me awake while my companions were sleeping ;

And I passed the night turning over in my mind my case in every fashion, and watching for her people, that were far away,

Although mine eye had already "mounted [in imagination] to a point [whence it could gaze] at a fire in Dhu-l-Arta, with much wood heaped to heighten its blaze.

Round about it are wild-kine full in the bosom, and white antelopes and gazelles lying asleep ;

Delicate are they, having never had to face the hardships of life, kind in their ways — they are not brought home at evening [after having spent the day gathering firewood], nor do they wander abroad [tending the camels in the pasture] :

In the evening they come home together, slow of pace, with heavy hips, clad in saffron-coloured shifts and striped stuffs of al-Yaman.

They Dwell in one country and I in another ; and pledges and promises have all been broken.

What is the use of my being faithful, when the covenant made with me has been flouted ? What is my case ? I am the hunted prey, I hunt not.

And many the smooth-cheeked maiden, brought up in luxury, long-haired, long-necked,

With rows of teeth serrated, set at intervals one from another, sweet to taste, clear white in colour, shining with lustre, cool to kiss —

Have I toyed with for a time in my youth, and thorough-bred she-camels have visited her [with my messages], and odes have been made by me in her praise.

Those were people ! As oft as I wore out one tie [of love], there occupied me a new one among them in its place.