1. Is that a palm tree or a tall branch?
Is that a stream or a bond?

2. Is that a face or a moon?
Is that a cheek or gold?

3. Unacquired beauty,
And some beauty can be acquired.

4. May my circumstances be bereft if I were to blame her.
Is this beauty to be avoided?

5. I counted her faults but there was nothing
Except circumstance and manners.

6. A young woman between her smile
And her shapely figure, is of noble birth.

7. Her glances nurtured her beauty,
But her people are Bedouin.

8. Swaying, when she walked
You would see the boughs stir.

9. She walked past, her hips swaying,
Her waist almost overturned.

10. My critics rejoice whenever
She comes and goes and I become lovesick.

11. They clamor if she draws near,
Yet her company brings me delight.

12. So I weep whenever they laugh,
And laugh whenever they get angry.