1. You hastened, though not all the fair ones hasten,
And how many a blamer blames ignorantly, while he is more ignorant,

2. And steeds whose saddles will always remain empty,
Though men may decay and grow old.

3. It is as if Layla never visited me, and I never
Visited her when absent and joined her,

4. And when she appeared among the thorn bushes, she seemed
Like the loved separation that is yearned for, and yet kills,

5. I despaired of this world, and said to my companion,
"If death hastens, I will hasten all the more."

6. Do not blame me, for the noble may be blamed,
And do not rebuke me for what is proper and beautiful:

7. Listening, fragrance, repose, a beloved companion
Dear to us, whatever he says and does;

8. But beware, both of you, of wine - do not go near it;
Sufficient replacement for it is honey-sweetened drink.

9. For us, the best models are the Abbasids,
For they are the best of God's creation, pure and superior.

10. Do they not have, at the Holy Places, an honored
Dispensing of water, giving drink to pilgrims, excelling in generosity?