1. Stand a while, for the lover has a pact,
And hasten not with separation, if there be no necessity,

2. Are we made every day for separation, while love has rights,
And desire has no limits?

3. The vicissitudes of time have tossed us about,
We tame them, hoping they will relent, but they rage harder,

4. We were patient with them until they became disdainful,
Then we confronted them with might that makes the lion tremble.

5. We were satisfied with some affairs until, when he refused,
We were angry, for some affairs cannot be reversed,

6. We were angry, so the army assailed him with its valour,
And the angry, unsheathed swords rattled forth from their scabbards.

7. Stand a while, for hearts are in need
Of a pause in which ecstasy may be concealed or revealed,

8. Your pausing, however long, cannot compensate
For the separation and distance that ensue.

9. We have a pact with you, and God has a pact,
So go on, though the pangs rend our bosoms.

10. You have embarked upon God's cause, striving for it
To a goal wherein lie reward and praise.

11. Virtue it is, until a man ransoms his people,
And heals the wound that rends his community.

12. A necklace is but bead next to bead;
If there is no cord to bind them, there is no necklace.

13. The most wretched community above the desert plain
Is that which ignorance rends and envy consumes.

14. When a community's hearts are diverse,
The height of its glory falls and adversity prevails.

15. You have heard the groans of those who clutch the earth
As their bed, while about them the wolf circles.

16. The plush couch has no power to hold you back,
Nor a life of ease full of fruit and plenty.

17. Unlawful it is for our eyes to sleep
While there are eyes that the vigil keeps.

18. So fare forth in the light of the crescent, surrounded
By a host of God, that no host can overcome;

19. And return to your homelands in splendour,
Attended by triumph and glory.