My uncle has thoroughbred mares, whose distant sires Are counted in our tribes since the ancient times, Gentle and timid as daughters of the Guebla[7]. You would say they were gazelles Feeding in the valleys under the eye of their dams. To see them, is to forget the authors of our days. Covered with _djellals_[8] which make our flowers look pale, They march like Sultanas attired for a fête, A negro of Kora[9] tends them, Gives them pure barley, and milk to drink, And leads them to the bath. Allah preserve them from the evil eye![10] For his much loved mares My uncle demanded Mebrouk in marriage, And I said to him: No; Mebrouk is my support, I wish to keep him Proud, full of health, dexterous and fleet. Time turns on itself and returns; There may be no dispute to-day, but to-morrow, perhaps, we shall see The hour of strife approach with rapid strides. For a skin full of blood, my uncle replied, Thou hast made my face yellow[11] before all my children. The earth is vast: adieu. Mebrouk, why this neighing night and day? Thou betrayest my ambush and warnest my enemies, Thy thoughts wander too much to the daughters of our coursers, I will marry thee, o my son! But where shall I find my friends Whose mares are so noble, and their she-camels such treasures? Their tidings are buried in the earth; Where are their spacious tents so pleasant to the eye? In them were spread the carpet and the mat; In them was offered the hospitality of Allah, And the poor man filled his belly. They are vanished! The scout viewed the hillocks, The brave marched in the front rank, The shepherds drove the flocks after them, And the hunters, on the track of their sharp greyhounds, Chased the gazelle.