Her people told her:
Do not trust that man.
You welcomed him into the tent.
He will harm you.
He is an enemy, a stranger.< br/>bad fate will bring,
he hides a dagger
and will strike from behind.
Rose of the mountain... will betray us.
Spring water, ..will wound you< br/>with his love.
If he comes, if he comes at night.
We will strike your love to death.
We will burn his clothes and his heart.
If the Stranger comes .
She said to her people:
He is my friend, my love.
He kissed my mouth.
He will not be afraid.
He slept on my arm
and he will return to me.
he has drunk of my wine.
he will not be afraid.
Rose of the mountain, ..he will betray us.
Water of source, ..he will hurt you
with his love.
Arabic folk poetry. Bedouins of Libya
Unlike other Arab girls,
Bedouin girls are very free,
even to welcome men into their tent.
The girl in the song is however in love of a boy
belonging to another tribe and this for his people
is an unacceptable taboo... the Stranger must die.

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