1. A helper for a scattered soul am I
Whose inclination is away from people

2. An apparition softly floated round my bed
For a moment making me think it was her lying near

3. As an eye glanced back and was followed by a tremor
While my eyes were awake though drowsy with her yearning

4. She is not one whose familiar would abandon her
Nor an intruder who has strayed from her, lost

5. With more anguish and distress than I
For a visitor who has turned away, her return uncertain

6. A pledge to one who had won my heart and duty
Though her days have passed, I'll not forsake her

7. God protect the day of an-Nairbayn and the night
I was happy with her until her departure distressed me

8. When I am at al-Lamiya in the stand where
The glorious bow their heads, haughty as they are

9. I look around fearful of a faultfinding critic
Who might steal secrets and spread them around

10. Like a bird escaped from its tether
Without hearing or seeing anything to alarm it

11. I did not cease dismissing fear until I saw her
Having settled anxiety and hatched its eggs

12. Hand in hand, cheek against its match
Brought together, eyelids pouring out their tears

13. When I complain of love, she passes her hand
Over a liver that cannot be healed of its wounds

14. As I was not content with her cool reception
Fearing to arouse dislike in her standoffishness

15. Had I known what was going to happen
I would have attained what I hoped her price would buy

16. I had the intention but did not go ahead, for had I gone ahead
I would have healed with her a soul of intense distress