1. Your excuse for being away tomorrow and far off,
And a lover's journey with no provisions,

2. For I have in this heart a place,
I have turned away from happiness because of it.

3. Shall I compose my fetters and be thankful I have attained them,
Whether a little or my shackles are undone?

4. How can I depart when my heart remains
A captive with her, unfreed by any ransom?

5. By God, I know not if I should change my mind
From traveling west, or go on without my heart.

6. Our night, and the gentle breeze hurrying it on
With songs of wine for the wine-jug now emptied.

7. I tried to recover from the intoxication of seeing her,
I censured myself until morning came to guide me.

8. And sleep attained no pleasure,
Save my wakefulness in love of her and vigilance.

9. At the door of the tavern, and night is muddy,
Its edges darkened with ink's blackness.

10. As if the white palaces on its sides
Were dyed gray with descending old age.

11. As if the sky's rupture changed its color
To worn iron or mourning clothes.

12. As if the stars hiding in the shadows
Were lamps' wicks or locusts' eyes.

13. And no moon but the sinking
Of a drunkard's eyelid closed in slumber.

14. We spent the night, and the breeze mixed between us
With soft murmuring of the tambourine.

15. We did not part until the cock crowed
And the caller to prayer called out.

16. Abu Muslim, convey multiplied greetings
And go safely to both encampments, I am departing.

17. I will thank you for your overflowing kindness
Shading over me - how could I forget the springtime of my country?

18. And the outpouring of gifts no onlooker surveyed
Except to say: the outpouring of bounty!

19. How many days came to me like messengers
Leading me to rest awhile in your shelter.

20. The plain grows nothing without rain,
And none sustain gratitude save the generous.