she brought to an end her tale, and fleeted and left us lone.

So gone is Umaimah, gone! and leaves here a heart in pain:

my life was to yearn for her; and now its delight is fled.

She won me, whenas, shamefaced--no maid to let fall her veil,

no wanton to glance behind--she walked forth with steady tread;

Her eyes seek the ground, as though they looked for a thing lost there;

she turns not to left or right--her answer is brief and low.

She rises before day dawns to carry her supper forth

to wives who have need--dear alms, when such gifts are few enow!

Afar from the voice of blame, her tent stands for all to see,