1. I see Laila's people have left me lovesick,
And I have none but Laila to heal me in the morning.

2. When they see me, they show me affection,
Yet they are like Indian swords when I am absent.

3. If they prevent my eyes from seeing her, who can prevent
My heart that lies between my ribs and breast?

4. If my longing for you, O Laila, is an aberration
And a sin against your family in your opinion,

5. Then I have not repented of any sin if I repent not from you,
For all men err and make mistakes.

6. I risk my soul and family if, when faced
With some harm, I know not how to respond.

7. Neither making excuses of the innocent, nor ceasing
To be suspected until I am called "deluded."

8. Neither does my soul find solace in distance and so incline toward me,
Nor is it content without what it cannot obtain.

9. How many sighs of mine, if they shone on the sea,
Would dry it up, so hot they are and aflame!

10. And if what is in me were split into pebbles and cast into the wind,
Their fervor would be heard though they made no sound.

11. The burning passion I suffer gives me agony
Between my skin and bones.