1. For Zainab the moon is sweet though bitter,
Her hand clasped to its luminous sphere.

2. O horizons, whence came those starts?
O trees, whence came that throng?

3. O crier, can we die though forbidden
By all the Lord's commands and strictures?

4. Has the moon or the horoscope foreseen
Our languor at news of this vigil?

5. Blessed is He who made the countries,
His knowledge of us never impaired.

6. Your brother will return to his folly
Though he's performed the pilgrimage, pure.

7. The people disputed with you over creed.
You said "'Ali," but they said "Omar."

8. How can they hope for the flood of guidance
When they are drowned in the torrent of blindness?

9. The fool is harmed by what he's attained.
He who is ignorant is glad he shone.

10. Can you be called anything but Godfearing
When clay is only what it has concealed?

11. I've remained sleepless to seekers of praise
So that wakefulness might rejuvenate me.

12. Whoever reflects on the acts of mankind
Sees that when one strays the rest are astray.

13. If the decree of the King did not exist
We would not continue steadfast.