1. I'm one who severs the neck-veins of passion and desire,
When the ropes of singing-girls entangle me,

2. And blood as hot as embers, as if it were
Boiling water bubbly and fermenting,

3. He has new black locks like a coat of mail
With its sleeves and double coat of silk,

4. And a face like brocade with over his head
A turban and a scarf smooth and hairless,

5. He wanders with the one of high origin as if his coat
Were lightning flashing and clouds heaping,

6. He spent the night in the shelters of a vale as if
Towards its inner depth in the late night housed,

7. To the dwelling of his love Qais he goes and comes,
So Qais is neither glad nor morose,

8. He embraced me on his land and heavens
With open arms, a noble and intimate friend,

9. When my she-camels reach Qais in Yemen,
Which bosom-friend after Qais will I touch?

10. By my life, excellent is Qais when he arrives
At his abode, a welcome guest never turned away.