1. O Abu Amr Al-A'la, in your life no wish
Remains unfulfilled, you have not withdrawn from intimacy.

2. And pure affection has gained mastery over you,
And the soul took delight in that, out of love from the heart.

3. And you composed poetry, the finest poetry, ascending
In years and glory among the radiant stars.

4. So I accepted from the messenger's palm
A parchment, the breadth of handspan, of moist lily.

5. And I delighted my gaze in the beauty of cheeks
That show you the full moon's perfection in delicate wrists.

6. But as for my abstinence from sanctioning your law,
That is with the Merciful, though it be the greatest sin.

7. So that is an abstinence I have repented,
For the rest of time, or until the term of the law of love.

8. And if you wish a reply sent back,
The bearer is a fine executor of messages.