1. The doe came, led by fate,
A radiant beauty envied by the moons.

2. She approached, intending a greeting, so thoughts and minds rushed to meet her.
Her jewelry sways and bends

3. Like a branch lit by sunlight.
She reveals a cheek of sweet fragrance

4. That wine and wine jars yearn for.
Her wrap protects her, though

5. A circling scorpion guards her turning ear.
I sensed fire in her cheeks when

6. She traveled, and in my heart for that reason
She flirted with me, her glances intoxicating,

7. Until I was drunk, having no remedy.
So I saw upon that cheek a planet

8. To which the wandering star inclines.
How strange that her tress and brow

9. Can make daylight amid the darkness!
She conversed with me; in her lids

10. Were traces of shyness, and marks of passion.
She recited to me witty discourse,

11. As if, when speaking, she jested.
It was as if what graced her cheek graced her words,

12. And cups of wine were passed around.
Her glances plucked roses, and planted them in my heart,

13. What sights the eyes have gained!
She complained of the love she met,

14. Increasing fervor and dignity and honor.
Until dawn rose and I left bidding farewell,

15. Our tears copious and bitter.
She was generous, not stinting a pleasant visit,

16. Though times of clear sky are short.
I wished the night would last, and increase

17. My viewing her, and it was not yet dawn.
O you who blame me for being crazed with love!

18. Reproach is not for the lovelorn.
If you but knew what youth and passion are,

19. You would make excuses for me.
God knows what stirs in my mind

20. When her charming glance awakens.
It is as if her lids, when she blinked,

21. Were the sharp glistening sword of the valiant prince –
I mean the brilliant Basheer al-Murtaza

22. Lord of Grandeur, the repeated attack.
He who brought us honors, so his shining brow

23. Dawned with light dispelling gloom.
The source of fortune and rule is Majid,

24. The most hostile to his foes is a treasure to him.
Bold, when he unsheathes his sword in battle

25. Lives are shed on its blade.
Or if he shakes his pen, the result

26. Is fear spreading over the land, and flight.
My master – his lofty name possesses slaves,

27. And his generosity enslaves the noble.
He of whom it was said: his right hand confers fortune,

28. And the left, felicity – and that is true.
From the outpouring of his generous hand

29. Seas of bounty overflow upon mankind.
With him the exalted rejoiced, and for him

30. The glories and mysteries of grandeur were revealed.
Since the star of his fortune shone in Lebanon,

31. Cities delight in his merit.
O my master, whose existence

32. Brought fortune to the age, and poetry flourished!
Clouds weep in shame when they see

33. The clouds of your palm dripping with freshness.
If it is said, who of all people has the noblest lineage,

34. To you, full moon of generosity, we refer.
You were honored with the dignities of mighty protection

35. That rejoiced, taking pride in you.
A robe came to you, bringing fortune, a companion,

36. Though, with your beauty, disdainful.
A noble lady came to you, dissatisfied

37. With any abode but your lofty cradle.
Joy overflowed the land at her arrival,

38. And the regions were illuminated by her brilliance.
You still, my master, have the best of lords

39. Enjoying the supreme of your choice.
Live safely while the sun shines

40. And birds cling to the branch of dwelling.
With the robe of the fortunate year record

41. Your congratulations, for as long as eras last.