1. I asked a preacher one day when in Mecca I met him,
While the litters were being unloaded of burdens they bore,

2. "For God's sake, tell me, is she not steeped in sin, she
Who so long has afflicted my body and soul?"

3. Quoth he, "Yes, she sinned, and shall suffer in life for her sinning,
Such torture and woe in this world shall her sins repossess."

4. But I, in my haste, could no longer withhold my tears,
To my bosom with sobs did my shirt straightway press.

5. "God pardon and put her transgression away from her!
Though little her joy here on earth, may He merciful prove!"