1. She returned a gift I had sent her; if only
She had sent me the like, I'd not have sent it back.

2. She says, "I've given up my wanton ways -
So go your own good path, don't be misled."

3. Harsh words and threats against you I have heard
Uttered by brother and cousin of mine.

4. But this day my falseness is proved short,
My soul mastered by your grace and patience.

5. She cast my letters out, sent mine back,
And turned her lamp to the mosque for light.

6. So my heart's cloven, as if by a spear,
In twain - one to hell, one heaven bent.

7. If my blood's shed, and I've done no wrong,
Then thrive, serving God - be devout.

8. For you try hearts more than she who tempted
David the prophet in days gone by.

9. When you live where planets auspicious
Have ruled the folk since time's dawn began,

10. With the messenger I sent a letter;
I know it sounder than Hudhud's script.

11. The letter went, and upon it stood:
"From Mutammim, son of Nu'man's son."

12. She was grudging of even a greeting;
Her right hand would have withered, greeting me!

13. Days that would kill her, not seeing me,
Like cool water slaying hot thirst.

14. How often she mixed her spittle with mine,
Like turbid water stirred into clearness!

15. Her lips' flood would be my lips' flood,
The basin of her mouth mine to fill.

16. I disown my love for you, yet my tears
Betray it, though I never confessed.

17. My tears admit I'm your lover, though
None knows, however loud my words.

18. If you spurned my messages and cursed me,
Still you were calling me "master dear"!

19. Days when your brother would waylay me, sword drawn,
His sword held me back, my hand held back his.

20. So ask your heart - how could it turn away
After following me, trained to my rein?

21. Grey hairs I've gained, so long craving you;
I'm a fresh branch, sprouting late in life.

22. My heart is tossed above the burning coal;
So hot it's flipped upon the kindling pile.

23. The girls are eager to take my hand;
Without you, some might have won me over.

24. I'm a man of gentle temper, my spirit
Set on plucking the virgin's soft breast.

25. The like of you is found if sought; but mine,
If you sought the like, would not be found.

26. Each dawn I'm torn by love for you,
Like a monotheist hurt by atheists' hands.

27. If I die, you'll wake to find yourself
A sinner - while I gain a martyr's place!