1. My love song for you is an old one
And longing has for me a seat and abode

2. I ramble towards those evenings and dawns
No wonder that the lover rambles

3. Alas, I cannot be distracted even if I attempt distraction
A lightning flashes or breeze blows by

4. Indeed, the fires of passion have flared up in me despite the cold
And longing recovered though it was sick

5. I love Salima and youth for her sake
If only Salima and youth would last

6. I held back the tears though tears are ignorant
And sought help from the night though it is forbearing

7. And made my friends believe I am virtuous
While my heart is stubborn among faultfinders

8. I linger when a bottle circulates
Thinking of Salim though self is safe

9. If an impudent devil attempts
The heavens of my hearing, then tears are missiles

10. And my tears are strung in my body's necklace
Why then disdain the necklace when it is well-arranged

11. So do not deny my complaint for I have no cunning
But the lover's torment is painful

12. With my eyes I brought death to myself out of greed
And I blame it wrongfully and criticize

13. No visitor except one I love who is stingy
And no one generous but the Noble