1. Ask the alluring doe about the foals' playground,
And her melodious meadow, about the lion's den,

2. And the rustling of that shade, about the flaming embers,
And the clanking of that water, about the kindling passion.

3. My promise to him in that valley was to visit frequently,
But who will lead me back to that promise?

4. In the thickets of Paradise are the most fragrant blossoms,
Sporting with the twigs of the trees and the stalks of Indian cane,

5. So what garden was not ravaged by overwhelming desire
When that beauty appeared among the hosts?

6. In his dark cheek is the fire of flashes
From ear-rings that are lit by strings of pearls.

7. In his supple waist are images that provoke him
So they blaze as the sparks fly from flint.

8. I fear he may gently incline towards me
With a compassionate heart as he turns.

9. His cheek wounded my eyes
Though he chose to murder me deliberately.

10. I hope my tears will soften his heart,
Though rain has no effect on solid rock.

11. With that glorious being I am the happiest leaf,
Does one with such a necklace have any passion for me?

12. You have a tumbling, roaring river
Where the ground always thunders.

13. When the wind caresses its surface it polishes its course
And fashions it as David did his chainmail.

14. It is as if the hand of Ma’n’s son Muhammad
Made it burst forth from the spring of generosity and bounty,

15. It frolics amid its flowers and greenery
As God’s blessings frolic in robes of praise.

16. Wild cows have come down to drink in its flood
As pledges of devotion thronged into his palm.

17. An outpouring of hands above the low and lofty,
The valley encompasses depth and elevation alike.

18. From his generosity, what the clouds contain of life
And from his light, what the gazelle contains of fat!

19. He gleams like the Frankish sword in the scabbard of resolve
And sparks like the flint in the kindling firebrand.

20. If he is obscured from some people’s minds
Light has no merit in the pupil of eternity.

21. From you we took the words, you are full of grace,
And rose-water is only sweetened by roses!