1. Had he who pines away pined like me
For love, he would have shriveled and faded.

2. But ever since passion left his heart,
He feels but insipid longing.

3. Censurer of the gazelle and the bough for momentary
Glance and gait, when it sways and bends!

4. And censurer of the strung pearls smiles
And talk and moonlight, beauty and delight!

5. Sleep soundly now the censurer lies still.
Pining for you has left me devastated, till I attained tranquility.

6. The days of your estrangement have taught me patience -
I never thought to wish for it before.

7. So you deserve thanks for what has become
A gift, though it was suffering first.

8. My friend, scent the lightning’s flash, if it appears,
And the dove of the sanctuary if it sings!

9. My wheezing is that lightning’s thunder
When it flashes, my moaning this dove’s cooing when it grieves.

10. Whenever it laments, glory appears fresh again;
At that weakness here my ribs complain and here they sigh.

11. Question them - questioning brings no glory -
Like one calling desperately if the night grows dark.

12. On the hill to the right a band
Bade us farewell when they left sorrow for sorrow.

13. They vanished into the folds of the winding valley,
Hiding therein a full moon, cheeks and eyelids.

14. Had Qays and Qays seen him before
They had never pined for Layla or Lubna.

15. My wonder at him! But to wonder is no glory.
My passion for him is without end.

16. How can he who is painted as a fearsome lion
Then be given to me as a submissive gazelle?