1. My friend, after the fires of separation have cooled
Is there still commerce with those I've loved and longed for?

2. For my fervent yearning for them has passed away;
Stages on the journey between us, and farewells.

3. I carried their love, O Hathaim, in my soul,
But not every passion, O Hathaim, can be borne.

4. So when the vestiges of home rise before my eyes -
A house now empty of its people and belongings -

5. I check my tears, fearing the spy
May see them flow and tell others of my grief.

6. Does every fading image halt me thus,
Prolonging my sighs and laments?

7. I watch the night stars in their rising,
Till they sink down at last in the west.

8. Perhaps a phantom of you may visit me here,
Comforting the sick, or calming the distressed.

9. I send greeting through the fold of the breeze to you,
For nothing but the breeze itself can go as messenger.

10. Your face is like Makhul's in its beauty -
A delicate crescent moon, dark-eyed and fair.

11. If your eyes should look on mine again,
You'd see how the swords of fate flash out their ire!

12. For lovers' glances are naught but treacherous snares
To catch hearts when they look, and souls when they admire.

13. For love of you I disobeyed reproving critics;
When the foolish blame, what are their railing words?

14. How heavy are the words with which they challenged me,
Though I am mighty in power, and great in worth!

15. No comfort in grief can a friendless man discover
Save in one who is his boon companion and lover.