1. In the midst of the two valleys we have a winding path
Where the bushes and shade intertwine

2. And where the meeting of shadow and water
A breeze with the scent of meadows flows gently

3. And the clapping of waters dancing
As the cooing of doves flutter around them

4. The dew has woven the clouds into a cool veil
I did not expect the clouds to weave the dew

5. Upon the branches flowers turn as if
Adorned with glittering necklaces

6. My beloved Qahtan, sorrow has provoked in me,
A dove in the branches ardently stirred

7. I yearn for the Yemeni lightning for it
Flutters its wings like my restless heart

8. And tears once pure have stained
My cheeks in bashfulness dyed

9. Appearing in youthful white and blush
As if fire and water were mixed upon it

10. As for the blackness of my heart, it has been seized
By beautiful languor and the charm of a fawn

11. I left the lightning behind me, stumbling
Beneath my dust, a compassionate glance, limping

12. No ally but a sword and a blade
No companion but a maiden and an unsheathed sword

13. The blue of swords shone like stars
Though they have none but rusty scabbards

14. A night traveler awoke my living eyelid
And frightened it with the clanging of two swords

15. The bushes of the forest said a visitor came
But no one came except a fully armed warrior

16. A dark bay, its mane as if
Coated with rippling mercury

17. Would I disdain to race to it with a mare
To the generosity of Ishmael galloping and plunging?