1. From it came a phantom of my beloved to me
With no witness but the star in the sky

2. He came while the darkness of night was trailing its skirt
And lightning had a gap-toothed mouth in its gloom

3. The fluttering of its wings was as though
It were the heart of a lover abandoned by their beloved

4. Alas! The phantom of her image cannot heal the heart
For it has learned that phantoms are lies

5. When dawn approached, it left afterwards
Leaving my heart yearning as tears poured down

6. My passion appeared the day the fever broke
And the first white hair was seen in the darkness

7. So my patience, heart, and tranquility left
Leaving nothing but tears and lamentations

8. Indeed, on the path of love is an oft-turning heart
Yearning for the memories of past vows

9. Indeed, those memories - though the fever has passed -
Revive ardor in me when they recur

10. She whose beauty made me swoon with ardor
Bringing agony and sighs to my heart

11. Would put the full moon’s ardor to shame
And make the slender branch seem most fragrant

12. Were it not for you, oh gazelle-like sister
My heart would not be troubled by love for you

13. When ardor afflicts the longing lover
Nothing heals but thoughts of the beloved

14. How many recurring visits increased sorrow
If only you would return, eyes and hearts would rejoice

15. Your memory is the soul’s fortune in every peril
If only the eyes’ fortune were to see you soon

16. I wonder how one like me came to swoon with passion
Crying out when no answer comes from your quarters

17. Though my words are evenly-spaced pearls
Sweet as roses to the ears when composed into verse

18. If I were to craft them into a poem, they would please me
Whether praising or gently reproaching a kinsman

19. My reproach is brief though my kinsman is noble
For the brilliant moon itself is his kinswoman

20. My praise is for one who gave generously before asked
Who mounted hopes though they were shaky

21. He is the supreme king, the man of resolve
For whom the range of glory is wide

22. In every hardship, I hear his call
Even when dawn is late to relieve the night

23. So needs are met and wishes fulfilled
And the barrens bloom after being dry

24. From his excellent praise comes the scent of sweet words
That delight hearing ears and hearts

25. Excuse me, my prince, for describing you defeats me
Even if Bashar were here to help his dear friend

26. But I hope in every situation
That one who hopes in you will not be disappointed

27. Every distant goal I aspire to is attainable
And every far-off desire is near