1. Alas! O fountain in the valley of water, you have killed me
Before death, you were accessible to me, an offerer

2. I saw you while the earth covers me, the perfume diffusing
A man environs you, to me miserly

3. Is the guardsman singing, given a drink
Of fresh water to cure what in him is weary?

4. She said to me, “If I gave you a drink
Would you inform my enemies, thus babbling?”

5. Then the fates anchored me, and the anger of arms guided me
To a slaughter—the swordsman exacting

6. Wretched then was the encounter of her secret
Yet truly I am of your love sincere

7. When she is mentioned in my presence, do I moan
As if from the blow of a blade a wounded man?

8. And I have a wounded liver—who will buy me
A liver not itself wounded?

9. The people refused and despaired to buy it
Who will buy something sick for what is healthy?

10. Lightning appeared on high; then when its
Thunderbolts took aim, their sparks faded

11. Alas! O raven of separation, why do you inspire me?
Your words grieve me, yet you are frank

12. Unless one day you rend us, then orators of misfortune
Will succeed in diverting calamities unleashed