1. Alas! Does my heart now converse with the youth of old?
Has Layla brought you any message for me today?

2. And if tomorrow heals what ails my soul this day,
Will the anguished spirit find respite from its grief?

3. She gave me to drink like a guest, so I warbled
Like the slate when the child scribbles and scratches.

4. If my Layla had but greeted me when she passed,
Though armed guards stood between us like walls,

5. I'd have greeted her in turn with a shout from my grave -
Just an echo from the edge of the tomb.

6. If Layla were in the heavens, I'd have climbed there
On my eyelashes up to her bright, shy eyes.

7. If she'd sent me an inspiration on the wandering wind,
I'd have known it through the wind's restless sighs.

8. When people ask how I am with my heart revealed,
I say, all that Layla wills in my heart is healing.

9. I envy what I cannot have of Layla -
Truly, whatever pleases the eye is healing.

10. Will you weep for me, O Layla, if I die before you,
With the keening women wailing over my tomb?

11. As if death had taken Layla, I would weep for her,
Generous tears flowing for her, a stream outpoured.

12. With the wings of passion I've reached the noble youths
Who journey through the dusty desert, marching on.

13. They are bound by the love of the two gazelles,
Their hearts stampeding wildly through desire.

14. In distant Najran, all Layla is recalled by
Is the babbling echo rolling through the vales.