1. A woman reproached me, saying I had abandoned poetry
Until buffoons sang silly songs.

2. Springtime came while I was heedless,
And it departed though I sang no melody.

3. My soul is like an echo in a deep well,
Or like the dawn wrapped in its shroud.

4. What beauty cannot allure you
When you are one who loves all beauty?

5. Will you be silent while youth still clings to you
And love's gardens surround you in this paradise?

6. Stagnant water breeds only decay.
So I said to her, "Calm me and give me peace."

7. The hands of time have not broken my spirit,
Though they've shattered my jugs and pots.

8. I have not bridled my tongue in fear,
Nor mourned the loss of worldly goods.

9. Rather I am one whose laughter lights people's faces,
While only to myself belong my sighs and sorrows.

10. When I complain of my troubles to a confidant,
Silence is best - I have wronged my confidant.

11. My pride refuses to let anyone see
My eyes overflowing with tears like a lovesick boy's.

12. So I hide my tears from him, though they burn me,
Lest he feel distressed, though he does not accuse me.

13. I wipe away a tear from his eyelid
Though the flames lick and consume me,

14. Because whenever I comfort him,
I am troubled, as if I had comforted myself.