1. He called me to the folly of youth after it had passed,
A place like the gardens of Paradise, elegant,

2. With open vistas for the eyes. As for its pond,
It is clear, and as for its branches, they are lush.

3. A robe of dense shade covered its land
Of lofty acacia trees and slender willows.

4. Its branches climbed high as if
One of the nymphs had a lover among them.

5. The sun's rays penetrate its chambers
With chains of light that have luster for them.

6. And the moon sings to them until it seems
A companion of the Pleiades or imbued with nectar.

7. The birds of the water pass through it in lines
Like a mounted army brought together by fate.

8. When they see the blueness of the ponds they flutter
Above them like one swooping down or diving.

9. We went to it at dawn, as its light was bursting forth,
Expanding, while the regions of darkness narrowed.

10. The birds in the cradle of the boughs were singing,
And the young gazelles at the lips of the meadows were crying.

11. Its pleasures were adorned by companions, and there was no
Joyful diversion that a comrade did not grace.

12. We established at its beautiful spot a place of companionship,
Binding the links of play—their knot was tight.

13. We gathered there all the scattered parts of delight,
For not every day is genuinely happy.

14. A singer sang for us in the sweetest melodies,
A comrade well-versed in the instruments of joy.

15. When he stretched out a note and drew it back,
The faces of living happily turned toward us.

16. What a beautiful place, untouched by one who leads astray,
Its sanctuary unviolated by a shameless person!

17. We stayed there a day at leisure and a night
Lit up by the radiance of flowing wine.

18. But when we prepared to leave, the hearts of the sorrowful
Were shaken, and the loving one was tender.

19. By God, there is a heart terrified by parting,
Grieving, and an eyelid flowing with tears!

20. The boon-companions said to me, “Describe the beauty of our day,”
For you have the talent of fine speech.

21. So I portrayed something, then came up with eloquent
And witty words more fragrant than musk.

22. How could speech fail me when my mouth contains
A tongue like the saber of Mashrafi, sharp and pliant!