1. Are those slender branches or dining tables laid,
And is that gentle light shining above them garlands?

2. And are these maidens, delicate and tender,
Or wild gazelles, shy and fleeing?

3. My beloved, though the old ways no longer please me,
If only past nights would return as before!

4. In sorrow for the pact near the sacred stones -
Customs from which my people have strayed.

5. The glances of Rim still play and dart about,
Though they were my ruin - how strange that they aid!

6. Sick from the blow of his gaze is my state,
His hair raven dark, his cheek jet black in its shade.

7. Ja'far adds to my sickness, my tears overflow,
While Khalid's sorrow and passion relieve my pain.

8. The full moon shines though shamed is its brilliance,
And the slender bough though humbled its fruits remain.

9. For love's sake lament for a lover whose being
Is sworn by the stars, the thoughts bear witness the same.

10. With ribs aflame for you, and tears down his cheeks streaming,
My defenders draw near to you, as my envoys they came.