1. The evening sun foretold its setting
Like a cup with which old age was inebriated

2. Yellowish displaying emaciation, infirm
As if lamenting the loss of its beloved

3. As if traveling in the evening
Leaving some of its pallor on the mirror

4. Like a maiden who inclines and covers herself
In the neighborhood, fearing a watcher

5. It cast its rays upon these sands
So their waist-belts gleamed from its gilding

6. Meet its smile with lasting light
Red, displaying the fire of its kindling

7. Bodies only weaken before
The palms of the healer touch their spirits

8. If the shining sun disappears
The moon emerges, its brilliance substituting the veiled one

9. Take it emancipated in the garden
Whose flowers give off fragrances of perfume

10. From the palm of the sorcerer's overflowing rainment
It is for the onlookers the ultimate sought

11. It heals the souls of lovers from ardor
Thus removing what tribulation they encounter

12. And the lute makes its voice heard in his palm
However the lovers desire from the coveted

13. Its strings disclosed the secret of passion
And so consoled the heart of her estranged lover

14. With fingers that never graced the lute’s neck
Except the drink permitted the sermon of her preacher

15. As if his right hand pens each one
Who has put aside decency at the time of its obligation

16. So behold the signs of bliss and delight in
Its chanting, and look upon its arrangement

17. It spoke, so greetings to the one who expressed
From its concealed that which is divulged or recorded

18. Do not forget it, for it is obligatory to emulate
Abu Nuwas in the fertile place of his residence

19. Do not refrain, for your Lord has decreed
Benevolence and grace in pardoning her sins