1. I obeyed passion in loving the beautiful maidens,
And cared not for the words of those who reproached me.

2. Why should I not be madly in love, when every youth
Is love-sick for the black-eyed gazelle.

3. In my forties I still indulge in play and fun
Grasping the wine-cup and staking my wager.

4. How can I protect myself from a love
That has lodged in my soul like a most cherished guest?

5. I laid bare my heart to him, and he made free in it,
For the due right of a guest is to honor his lodging.

6. Spare me your blame, for my heart
Is too proud to settle for humiliation.

7. What shame is there in love that I should fear it
Even if my days should weep for me?

8. I am content with the leanness of my body
And the miserliness of my hopes.

9. I do not seek an intimate among people to advise me
For my own reason suffices to guide me.

10. If passion has pleased my soul,
I do not easily put the reins in another's hands.

11. My heart is harder than rocks,
My tongue sharper than an Indian sword.

12. And if love feared violence
I would confront it with my right hand and spear.

13. How many champions have I felled,
Dyeing the ground red with their blood?

14. It is not because I am cowardly that I sue for peace,
Rather it is my way to dash into the fray.

15. In love I have a steadfast, faithful station
To which beating hearts draw near.

16. Of me the longings have left
Only a breath on which hopes wander.

17. My sword robs the souls of heroes
While eyes of gazelles rob my soul.

18. If the driver came out to face me
I would rush at him with my Yemeni sword!