1. How many a wakeful lover has sleeplessness deprived of touching his pillow,
Yet I see not that keeping vigil avails him, nor does what he wants come to pass.

2. The lover's wakefulness brings him no gain,
Even if he persists in long vigils and constant prayers.

3. Nor does sport and diversion obtain the object,
At which one aims, while copious tears flow in profusion.

4. How many a lover has his passion led him on,
Only to leave him balked when he attained his wish and object!

5. The sweet taste of love's delight enticed him;
He became enamored when he touched a gracefuI fawn.

6. He saw the wine of union delicious, so he turned from
The object he had pursued, though he was steadfast before.

7. Determined, he submits not to it,
Save when he sees his appointed hour and time of destiny arrive.

8. A dark-complexioned one possesses him and plays with him,
Playing that shatters his collected thoughts and resolution.

9. A rosy red one, he has, with a mark,
Jet black, deadly and permanent as ink.

10. Polished and keen, he lets loose his bright blade,
The polished Indian swords, deadly and gleaming.

11. He shot an arrow that does not miss, it found its mark,
Terrifying the protected, even striking the lion dead.

12. O sovereign of my soul, show pity to one dying of anguish,
One clad in the armor of care of sable blackness!

13. I see that long estrangement, when he went beyond
My wishes never moved the stoic, undefeated by ardors of passion.

14. With a love he cherished, driving away his cares,
For the free man desires only affection.

15. But deception is hateful. Let it destroy those who practice it!
And may God destroy them as He did the people of Aad!