1. A gazelle's love cannot be hoped for
Through the ages except in fancy and thought

2. I was captivated by her, like a flower by the rain
For the charm of her features and the bloom of her face

3. I wondered at her, though her love was my nature
And you need not heed what I say of my passion for her

4. She says I have slipped in the bonds of love
And there's no excuse in shunning the passion, no excuse

5. She tells me I versify the features of another
And she never knew, if I said it of another, my verse was for her

6. She claims I do not care that she shuns me
That the love from me was but a deceit flowing to her

7. Why then do the tears flow and the eyelids quiver
Why do I fold the cheek in flames for the embers within

8. I refused my plenty and betrayed my troth
Made peace with my foes and had no command

9. Am I not named the friend of his God
And defender of Allah's faith against dreadful events

10. Am I not he whom kings stand in awe
And dread whether I bid or forbid

11. Am I not he the champions fear to face
And the valiant dread my might against blacks or reds

12. Am I not he the destitute hope to gain
Who has poured them plenty from the pouring cloud

13. Why do I not keep faith when good faith is my nature
And my loyalty cannot be frightened by betrayal

14. The glory of my kingdom, all kings obey it
Where are the shooting stars next to the rising moon

15. No judgment but I was the arbitrator
No command went forth but from my command