1. One morning, when a hungry longing
Had made our craving wanderings sore,

2. We came upon a fishmonger's stall
To buy some caper-scented fish.

3. There shone the charm of meeting free.
It fluttered like a startled bird.

4. It drew its belt about its waist
And bared a radiant, rounding moon.

5. With all your coquetry, enough!
Too narrow it becomes for my enchanter.

6. We said: “Do with us as you desire
With the rare catch you have chosen.”

7. She came with a plump, rosy mullet
So artfully experienced and sly,

8. Shaking with its tail the scent of youth
And glancing with a wanton eye.

9. It seemed about to say, “Do I die vain?
Cursed be the son of Adam, that tyrant!”

10. “Is there none in my prime to defend me?
None to forbid the daughter of the fishmonger?

11. Is there no return to be hoped for
To the watery realm of my teeming shoals?

12. No going back to a rapturous lover
Grieving for me through the night awake?”

13. Then doubt crept over its face.
Its gaping mouth overflowed.

14. She struck down upon it with her blade.
What pitiless, butcherous deed!

15. The bride of the seas lurched over
And fell upon the other side.

16. We said: “O fairest of the fair,
Graced with beauty from afar and near,

17. O best of all who taught the atheist
Proof of the Creator's might,

18. Your loveliness and gentle grace
Give the lie to the murderous butcher!”

19. Your palm was made to caress lips,
Not for this vile blood to smear.”

20. It said: “Yes, this was my destiny,
Though it pains the onlooker sore.

21. From the aloofness of the pacing camel
And the cruelty of the treacherous man,