1. I said to a youth one day when I met him
In Mecca, while the litters were depositing their loads:

2. "May I ransom you, tell me about the gazelle
Who for a while now has been bewitching my thoughts with her image?"

3. He answered: "Yes, by God, God will afflict her
With misfortune in this life."

4. I said, as tears streamed unchecked down my shirt:
"May God pardon her every sin, though she gave me little of her love."