1. Not the fluttering doves amid the thickets
Are dearer than dawns when suns arise,

2. Nor the delights with which those songs surrounded me
When the warbler burst out trilling.

3. Only a hand I saw inebriated
Delighting me and wrapping me in its robe.

4. Its pure palm smoothly covering the cheek—
Shaming the sprouts, scorning camphor.

5. And on his soft cheek a beloved
Wreathing the rose with scattered pearls.

6. I said, “O charmer of lids, drink
Has made of you a charming drunk!”

7. So modesty clothed his cheek
As color clothes translucent crystal.

8. And his lids intimated, saying,
“Be thankful, O passions’ confidant!”

9. He hates refusing, hates aloofness,
And hates not to fill hearts with joy.

10. So I cast chastity from me
As the sorceress casts off her robe.

11. Then I sipped, after kissing his cheek,
The approved, fragrant, treasured wine—

12. Yet the gazelle, O Amru, when
His sister shone, again grew shy.