Irkhāʾ sirḥān evokes an extended stride like a wolf’s; sirḥān means a wolf. The legs reach forward in long, continuous movement.
Taqrīb tatful describes rapid movement with steps closer together; tatful is the young of a fox. These are not synonyms for one gait: the first stresses length and openness of stride, the second short, quick stepping.
The horse can vary its movement as conditions change. That versatility is central to the compliment.
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Imruʾ al-Qays: The Horse’s Form, Similes, and Wild Quarry (Verses 59–64)
Irkhāʾ sirḥān evokes an extended stride like a wolf’s; sirḥān means a wolf. The legs reach forward in long, continuous movement.
Taqrīb tatful describes rapid movement with steps closer together; tatful is the young of a fox. These are not synonyms for one gait: the first stresses length and openness of stride, the second short, quick stepping.
The horse can vary its movement as conditions change. That versatility is central to the compliment.