1. The lightning captured rocks with rocks
And the bracelets contrasted with fetters

2. And on the day of encounter it granted us a reprieve
That conveys passion to one seeking help and to one hiding

3. They travel from the forms of statues, lodged at night
The dawns of suns, at the observer's glance

4. With swaying gaits they clothe the land
With perfume in the trains of their garments and tresses

5. They are the killers and beauties of the land
With glances like swords, penetrating

6. From every waving scarf shakes breasts
Of acacia above the towering dune

7. Swift smooth-bodied riders with slender waists
Withered like my patience from enduring thirst

8. Their eyelids are sick and their prisoner
Has no redeemer, nor their slain any avenger

9. She spent the night, her kisser enjoying
Wine matured in a tavern keeper's bottle

10. And a writhing grace in robbing our hearts' love
She excelled in cunning, so wondrous her guile

11. I ransom her who, but for my passion for her
I would not stay up herding stars with waking eye

12. And I say "O lengthy night you have wronged me"
They did not wrong when they called you infidel

13. So it answered me in the tongue of circumstance saying
"A brutish night that has no end"

14. Oh companion, what is the world but the rapture of youth
When I do not stop roving amongst its meadows

15. And its time is free and laughing
From the jaws of a pleasant, abundant life

16. I complain and thank the phantom of her and her elusion
For wonders from a thankful complainer