1. Ahmad offered me a drink of poison
A draught that made me loathe the joys of youth

2. If you could see me, cup in hand
You'd think you saw a raven, not a youth

3. I drink no cups but those that cheer
So how could I drink aught but wine?

4. Then forced to drain his poisoned brew
I suffered agonies beyond all pain

5. He waved his lute, and I replied
“Though sweet, it leads but to perdition's plain”

6. I want no life fetched back from 'neath the soil
When age has brought me only bane

7. “Why so morose?” he said. I answered him
“ ‘Tis you, not I, who merits people's blame”

8. With those who find wormwood too bitter to quaff
You tax me, sir, with your reproof

9. No quarrel lies 'twixt Qais and I
Save that you pierce us kidneys and napes with grief

10. No crime of ours against you, so pray
Do not oppress us with such cruel fates