1. Say to the gazelles at Dhu al-Nurain
When you pass by them on your travels

2. Is it lawful in sacred law
To kill the lovers out of hand?

3. You promised and indeed fulfilled,
And your word to us was of no effect,

4. Truly he whose love dwelt in his heart
Yet remained behind, unable,

5. Does he not endure for love of them
The torments, though the tracks are far across?

6. So that he answers them, restless,
And spends the night with eyes that dart.

7. When shall I be of you, that my life
Should be in your neighborhood the highest prize?

8. For I have talked with her alone, and turned
Away the virgins and the toothless hags.

9. By night our virtue was restraint
Which stood between us, guarding chastity.

10. God forbid—true love one day
Should take his stand in place of dissoluteness!