The Roman watched as the dark-skinned man in the flowing robe directed the musicians to take their places while the dancers took to the center of the floor.
“Bakkar!” shouted the dark-skinned man, calling out to the proprietor, “Sing while the girls dance!”
All those present in the Faiyam started to cheer and to clap as the portly proprietor came forth. He acknowledged the patrons with a smile as he bowed slightly.
“Sing for us, Bakkar! Sing!” someone shouted.
Soon everyone was shouting for the man to sing, including the musicians and the dancers. The proprietor gestured with his hands for everyone to be silent and agreed to sing. The musicians started to play, and the proprietor opened his mouth to sing…

* Han eesha ana wenta ya omry
El hob el yom helmeya
Men awel lahza fe omry
We ana aref enak leia!

*translation: We'll live, you and I, my life
And love the love of dreams
From the first time I saw you,
And I knew you were for me!