1. The blame is not on the one lost in love's passion,
Repeating his love as it appeared at first.

2. A sickness that has made his ribs its home
And his heart a pasture, his tears a stream.

3. Perfect in form when he comes into view
Revealing a gazelle's grace and beauty.

4. Cheeks like a rose, spaced teeth like a new moon's crescent,
A neck like a gazelle's, and a pliant frame.

5. Swaying in drunkenness from the wine of youth,
Or you may see him downcast and frowning.

6. I knew his saliva was of wine
When I saw his pearly teeth displayed.

7. And I knew his heart was made of iron
When I saw it flashing from his eyelids.

8. A sword glistening brightly in his young manhood,
Why should it be sheathed if not in my wings?

9. Who will defend me from his tyranny?
He has wounded me and carries a naked sword.

10. He has dyed the spearheads in blood, and I have not seen
On the tall spear of his form a blunted tip.

11. I sensed from the fire burning in his cheek
A flame, but found in it no guidance.

12. The water of his brow beading in sweat
Unless modesty clothes him in a cloak.