1. The greeting of a distant, longing lover
Whose longing refused to settle and abide

2. Whenever a conquering breeze passed by him
It ignited a fire in his mind and heart

3. His eyelids never closed upon the highest summits
Except that a convoy of lightning followed continuously

4. The talk of his polished cheek did not fade
Nor did its fragrance waft gently like basil

5. When a nearby garden and promenade intoxicated him
The rose of his cheeks grew darker red

6. A surety over his eyes, should his arrow go astray
That the reddening of his lids would not stray

7. By Allah, my friends, they are not his people
When the one he loves is absent, nor is it his home

8. So if you two will not make me successful in love
Leave me be, for its difficulty gives me pride

9. I yearn for Egypt, oh how I wish for myself
That whenever Egypt is mentioned, I could lend it my wings

10. So I take refuge in an immense, fruitful shade
With a generous king, whose neighbor is glory