1. The promise of a generous palm tree
I wedded it to the valley's water

2. Thence he did not cease to mount it
With the watering places of the valleys

3. Until it was clad in black,
With spreading plumage

4. Then it was prepared on the hillocks
Watered for it from the meadows

5. Until when a time had passed
My servants came to it

6. And it was finished and became
Like an ember of tinder

7. So he came to it prepared
Like Al-Harith son of 'Ibad

8. Having rolled up his sleeve
Disputing for the kindling

9. So he drew from it a spadix
Flowing like molten lead

10. To the flasks, the hillocked place
Adorned with necklaces

11. So it confounded my reason
And engrossed my heart

12. And I chose brothers of sincerity
Among the best of mankind

13. Noble son of a noble man
Generous son of a generous man

14. So I said, "Take my soul with delight,
I ransom you with my heart,

15. And by day and night
Respond to the caller's call,

16. And frighten the night away from you
With pleasure and ease,

17. And pass the wine-cup round secure
While it wanders in the valleys."

18. But lo, in the scroll of Yahya,
Therein is splattered ink

19. You fancy it sleeping
Yet no sleep is there

20. Not ceasing to water and be watered
Until he attained his goal

21. And there flowed to me my boon-companion
Singing to me and calling:

22. "You were watered from the valleys,
O abode of happiness!"