I was near to dying and my friend came not once.

Do not think that good style consists in ample clothes;

Good style is providing dishes for the men.

Do not think that good style consists in elegant robes;

Good style consists in large trenchers, in kindness and generosity.

O Egypt, O how far off art thou, in whom is the beloved!

If I live another year I must surely live in thee.

O sweet one, bring thy bottle and we’ll drink and fill it;

Thy people are far and thy country’s water is scarce.

What brought thee forth, O gazel, to roam?