1. Speak gently, without blaming,
And where did Al-Amiriyya’s caravan go?

2. Stop at the open space and ask it a question,
And let the tears flow freely.

3. Their beauty carried beauty,
And they went smiling, nay laughing,

4. Each with a necklace around his neck,
Smiling with bright teeth.

5. Soft hands like branches,
And thighs like spears,

6. Seductive glancing eyes,
I ransom willful glances and skillful flirting!

7. I surrendered my heart to them that they might rest,
But found no rest or comfort.

8. I came intending to submit,
But they asked for weapons from their eyelids

9. And drew arrows from their eyebrows,
And shook spears from their breasts.

10. So who can help my heart that love has wearied,
And a night for which I found no dawn?

11. I yearn for the arrows of tender longing
That complain of wounds in every limb.

12. My bed tosses, my mind flies
When lightning flashes from dark clouds.

13. The days of my life have sold me cheap,
And their fingers were miserly towards me.

14. Time bartered me for evil price,
Exchanging my glory for degradation.

15. No freeman can grant me prosperity,
Nor can I praise a freeman.

16. Maybe through praise of Ahmad
My cares will be cleared,

17. And I sought the aid of Fakhr al-Din
Only to find through him deliverance and success.

18. A man who married highbirth lawfully,
While others married corruption.