1. A ghost of longing for Layla captured me
Saddened me when he turned away, yet gladdened me when he returned

2. A night adorned with the belt of skies
And the two arms of Gemini and Cancer

3. The crescent moon rises, and eyes
Flow with prose and verse

4. Two eagles compete in flight
One eagle preceded, the other delayed

5. Maidens of a funeral procession appear
In mourning, departing two by two

6. The Pleiades as though a sapphire seal
Adorned with ruby, pearl, and gold

7. Dusk flees as slaves flee
The dawn in Rome in fear

8. The spring brought us cool breezes
Bearing the blossoms’ scent from the gardens

9. Maidens in red, yellow, white
Charming us in blue and green

10. The gentle breeze awakened the girls
Until they breathed musk and fragrance

11. Ostriches flutter their skirts’ hem
Between right and left in swaying gait

12. We have vintage wine, drawn and filtered
For us from Shiraz or Busra

13. She is a chaste maiden whom ascetics
Excuse for drinking to drunkenness

14. Without bleating lambs or roaring lions
With spearheads stabbing and piercing

15. They hatched their eggs to prevent others’ eggs
They spread their necks to protect other necks

16. Each alluring and magical glance
Her eyes emitting a spell

17. My friend, make no mention of Egypt
I have no love for it, long as I live

18. How can I love Egypt and leave behind
Its valleys, rivers, homes and plains?