1. Listen! My religion is passion, so know it
And my death as a martyr in youth is my goal

2. He who does not understand love is ignorant
And he who is not refined by passion is not refined

3. Ask me about the arts of love, for my
Experience in it is through practice, not teaching

4. And do not take the love from those who narrate it to you
Rather, if you wish, take it from one who is burned by it

5. And I am from a people, who when they fall in love
See their destruction in love as the greatest destiny

6. And I have, as passion desired, a willful determination
With which, between lovers, is my sought purpose

7. My conscience is chaste, and no wrong is on my tongue
Wherever my drinking place is pure

8. And I am patient in the agony of passion and the bitterness
In both these states, I am steadfast

9. Ask love about my heart, and my resolves
And its defeating the mighty armies at every assembly

10. Whenever it appeared, it would come to battle
And passion would suffice as armor without preparation

11. And if I am blamed for making light
Of matters which are not obvious

12. I do not see seeking God's forgiveness as comfort
Shall I ask His forgiveness while love's army is in my guts?