1. The sultan of beauty reigns over realms, triumphant,
The swords unsheathed and the houris' eyes grew tender.

2. So my heart pledged allegiance willingly, though it was not
In that moment ordered or forbidden.

3. And from him was bestowed upon my soul his favor,
A spirit with which the soul is loving and enraptured.

4. What of a heart awe-struck with reverence for him
Arabs and non-Arabs alike, all frightened of him?

5. Did the bright full moon shape her face,
Or the supple myrtle branch shape her perfect stature?

6. O you two moons, hide yourselves, for she has
A moon, which when it appears, extinguishes both your lights.

7. I swear by all my eyes have seen, they spied no peer for her
In truth, not just my eyes bedazzled and bemused.

8. I shepherd the stars - and she alone is my attachment to them -
Things are shepherded to what they are joined and connected with.