1. My beloved, why does love grow stronger
As time passes, while its days fade away?

2. Why should the covenants of lovers be blamed
When it is forbidden for Layla's vows to decay?

3. The wings of night have folded and gone to rest,
With few guards left wakeful on their watch today.

4. So I said to her, "I have dared to attempt a scheme,
That makes the winds hold back their gentle sway."

5. She said, "We obeyed longing after fortitude,
Yet the worst in lovers' hearts is their cold display."

6. She complained aloud and her tears flowed
Over her cheeks when she turned her face away.

7. I said to her, as tears marked their crooked course,
"The fires of love with yearning fuel their own display."

8. If the soul of the beloved stays safe and sound,
The turns of time, easy and hard, fade away.

9. So do not grieve if you see my chains,
For men's shackles are but adornment on display.

10. Nor deny times of ease and their loss,
For the Commander of the Faithful grants their sway.