1. They blamed but were not just, nor gave good counsel,
So that both night owl and early riser are blamed.

2. Is there any path to bliss but youth?
Or any path for the sorrowful but them both?

3. Nothing is fairer in appearance, ever,
Than a maiden with a wine-cup in her hand,

4. Hurrying with a brazier on a sand hill,
Its edges dry sticks and unripe dates.

5. She sings, her throat throbbing within,
And it has eloquent tongues and speaks plainly.

6. In every knot of her girdle,
A melody that seduces and ensnares.

7. She rose early while night was at its darkest,
With no veil on her head and no mark.

8. As though its stars, as they set,
Were pearls flung at the darkness of early dawn.

9. I startled the wild beasts, carrying me on,
My steed restless, with polished saddle.

10. A chestnut Najdi, none but four white feet,
Drawing near and moving away.

11. As though in the morning caparisoned
And as though at night clad in a wide cloak.