1. The breeze of wine and the chill of dawn
Stirred my longing till it was reborn

2. Saying, “Avoid our home in daylight
And visit when the moon’s light fades away

3. For we have guards - if they espy you
You’ll regret it, they’ll be given the day

4. And how often has God confounded
Those on their guard, try as they may

5. God has watered Baghdad with a cloud
While Baghdad's dwellers face the rain

6. And I'm told the maids of the palaces
Made my name their night talk again

7. Oh, how many a questioner in Iraq
Asks after me, and thinks and thinks more

8. Saying, our pact was with Abul Wael*
Like a graceful doe far from man's roar"

9. Nights I used to visit the taverns
As if my clothes were perfumed attire