1. What tear from my eyelids shall I shed
Since the breeze brought me his message?

2. The meadows conveyed to him secrets of passion
While the clouds deposited their burdens upon him.

3. He passed by while the garden was flowering, so he departed
Trailing his light behind him.

4. I opened my heart and spread it wide with love
When he arrived burdened with his sorrows.

5. Before him, agonies had tortured me,
From branches leaning over the beloved's abode.

6. Oh my friend, friendship has its rights,
The duties of love in every circumstance.

7. Ask the beloved about the pact of love, and say when you see him
Empty of his fanciful adornments:

8. "Where are those sweet pillows?
And those fragrant robes?

9. And nights I spent dissolving like drops of dew
With a gazelle, at whom gazelles took offense?

10. Babylonian of glances, charm, and wit—
Each flowing string of jewels a necklace.

11. And sickly of eyelid, waist, and limb—
Each you see complaining of his ailment.

12. And pure of brow, cheek, and down—
Happy he who senses their fragrance!

13. And tall of chest, hair, and stature—
Who can make his likeness endure?

14. Amongst the Turks whenever the bow was pulled taut
In his grip we saw the haloed moon.

15. Thought strays when he shoots—did we see
His hands or his shooting star eyes?

16. I said, when he refused my love
While able to pay his debts, no doubt:

17. 'Between us is the law.' He said, 'Take my qualities—
For every claim they are proof enough.

18. And my witnesses are a cheek and a down—
Well-known witnesses of probity.'

19. I made my tears my agent in the blood of creation,
So my kissing said: 'I accept this agency.'"