1. Oh woe is my soul, how often I disobeyed the Just
Dragging my robes through sins and crimes

2. Days I yearn for the fragrance of ambergris and camphor
And the bubbling springs and meadows so delightful

3. And Time in our heedlessness of each other’s company
Has turned its glance and left us without concern

4. Our days are golden, we revel in them
As though made just for joy in this life

5. And I have among the Turks someone, if I remembered him
Life itself would pride itself on recalling him

6. The morning sun hides its face in shame
When it sees him, and the horizon moon bows in awe

7. For beauty he has a race and kind that once
Were confined in him, as none can match him

8. He sways slender waists wherein the drunk of a glance
Seems in the eyes a draft of wine

9. And he bends a figure with curves over firm breasts
As though in his waist were spears and shields

10. This had been the first fuzz of youth for us
Young and new, the springtide of our days in bloom

11. And now my white hair brought me frail strength
And bequeathed my heart pains and sorrows

12. And he turned from me and I from delusions, still
Unperturbed, they surround me with affection

13. And I repent to God, hoping from Him forgiveness,
And mercy to expand the poor man’s boons

14. So praise God that death has not yet come to me
That I clothed myself in righteous deeds aplenty