1. I said to him, meeting you is better solace
If you are human and compassionate attires you

2. Give me a draught of the wine of your mouth, it is
Lawful though handled by bishops

3. So he inclined with a mouth like a goblet
And freely gave us what the pillows contained

4. I got drunk on it, its flavour smooth, refined
An essence of perfumed double-distilled musk

5. When we reproached each other and our blame grew long
Tears flowed that kerchiefs could not contain

6. I said, why these tears with sorrow?
He said, I weep in fear of parting from you

7. I said, do you cry in meeting and in intimacy?
He said, no, in both states I am at one with you

8. I said, is there any comfort? He said, I see
No comfort, save in one who is intimate with me

9. Various woes, and the beloved redoubles them
How can it be, when he is at odds with me?

10. Whoever loves, or is loved, is tormented
Ever shrouded in grief and separation

11. We have known no ill or harm from people
Save those we see yet do not befriend

12. For I saw that absence brings joy to one who shuns
Mankind, or whom acquaintances do not content

13. Let us live aloof, alone, sincere, unique
Peerless, though your abode no herald has announced

14. May you see the gardens of Eden as a friend
There the houri contain you in pavilions

15. And strive for virtues from every direction
Be wise so mysteries will be unveiled for you

16. And seize each opportunity when it passes
For if you let it slip, you will regret and grieve