Tarafa,
The Poem of Tarafa
(1881)
“ Her face appears to be wrapped in a veil of sunbeams; unblemished is her complexion, and her skin is without a wrinkle. 11. Such cares as this, whenever they oppress my soul, I dispel by taking adventurous journeys on a lean yet brisk camel, who runs with a quick pace both morning and evening; 12. Sure-footed, firm, and thin as the planks of a bier; whose course I hasten over long-trodden paths, variegated like a striped vest. ”
Tarafa,
The Poem of Tarafa
(1881)
“ I shake the lash over my camel, and she quickens her pace, while the sultry vapour rolls in waves over the burning cliffs. 43. She floats proudly along with her flowing tail, as the dancing-girl floats in the banquet of her lord, and spreads the long white skirts of her trailing vest. 44. I inhabit not the lofty hills through fear of enemies or of guests; but when the tribe or the traveller demand my assistance, I give it eagerly. ”
Tarafa,
The Poem of Tarafa
(1881)
“ If I please, she raises her head to the middle of her trappings, and swims with her fore-legs as swift as a young ostrich. 37. If I please, she moves more slowly; if not, she gallops, through fear of the strong lash formed of twisted thongs. 38. Her upper-lip is divided, and the softer part of her nose is bored: when she bends them towards the ground her pace is greatly accelerated. 39. On a camel like this I continue my course, when the companion of my adventure exclaims: "Oh, that I could redeem thee, and redeem myself from the impending danger!" ”
