1. The muezzin called us to prayer,
And the stars faded, seeking drink.

2. Dawn smiled at us, revealing
A crescent moon bright as a forefinger.

3. O cupbearer, fill our cups
And bring us the best of drinks.

4. Serve Sa'id and the son of Bashar, my brother,
Aged from your overflowing cups.

5. Serve my friend Khalaf, for he
Is dearer to me than all friends.

6. True men, all of them, their word
Is "God keep you!" Take this and bring more.

7. The flavor of my cup amid my tears
From weeping eyes streaming down.

8. If my tears flowed as long as
The Euphrates, the Euphrates would run dry.

9. We shared an intimate visit
In a delightful, secluded place.

10. In a gathering from which quarrels were absent,
Too short for all we hoped for.

11. She came walking after her sickness
In women walking with little steps.

12. They sat listening to our talk
As we complained of heavy sorrows.

13. And they wept for us compassionately,
Watering those crying eyes.

14. A slave girl of noble lineage
Glorious fathers and mothers.

15. She gave me her saliva from her mouth, so
Sweet from the mouth of that girl.

16. O my bliss, will you meet me
Before death, to gladden my eye?

17. O my father, I was pleased
With what you said to the slanderers.

18. By God, until I taste death, I hear not
The words of the envious about your love.

19. The people blamed me for loving her
Except my brother Shayban of bounties.

20. My only wish in this world is to be alone with her.
For that I pray to my Creator in my prayers.

21. O people, mind your own business,
For only my own soul laments my state.