1. A poet's greeting, O Jaxu water
For nothing else refreshes souls like you

2. May the waters of the Tigris be sacrificed for you, auspicious though they be
And may they not be sacrificed though inauspicious they be

3. And the water of Zamzam came to you—sacred it is
And waters over the Jordan—holy

4. The Nile used to celebrate every year
While you are joy and celebration for ages

5. And they alleged it for the maidens a marking
While for them you are for ages a marking

6. They compared you to Al-Kawthar and described houris
Are the houris, though unveiled, frightening?

7. Say to those leaning towards a veil
Can a soul be veiled from Allah's work?

8. If propriety does not conceal passions
Silk and brocade are to no avail

9. See, do you perceive anything but majesty?
A soul perceives that which it perceives

10. The cheeks are like Mary unveiled
Behind her a disciple and a priest

11. Men stand in awe so conscience does not stir
Nor eye perceives

12. I came upon you while the late morning radiance overflowed, spreading goodness
And weaving attire for the hillsides and adorning them

13. And going into the gulf for it and coming back
Fingers scattering necklaces in fives

14. And on the cheek of a coquette a jewel
In her ears earrings and a pendant

15. The mountains made the expanse of a slope shine
Pleasing spectators—the crown of glory

16. We travel in a ship running away with us
Some of my poetry a boon companion

17. Schools of thought contend with us where we anchor
Boats around us run and cast anchor

18. Their movement in the water bird-like
Dipping in it at times and skimming

19. Small elegant pinnaces
When in movement clapper bells tinkle

20. If the oar stirs them they grow calm
Without it they become still

21. When he rows swiftly in water
Each route of his an undulation and an arc

22. They carried scattered pearls, sight that
Bore the foam of winds in a goblet

23. As if the maidens' braids therein
Angels whose task is gazing and whispering

24. As if the maidens' cheeks therein glow
Above them a cloud and sun

25. As if the kohl of their gazes drawing out
Unsensed blossoms neither sniffed nor touched

26. When spread, fresh herbs and roses
When folded basil plants and sweet basil

27. Wondrous that beauty unites them
Though attire does not unite them

28. So yours was the best company
And best company what in it gives joy

29. We delight thereby, O Jaxu, souls
In them worldly cares and misery

30. Until the secret dawned so we withdrew
The day being over and eve passed.