1. Does he who finds my schemes easy seek to kindle
A fire like the fires of fervent lovers?

2. He has attempted a difficult thing, none like him has tried it,
And agreed to suns that no rider can subdue.

3. You shrank from the matter you attempted,
So you have oppressed me from every side.

4. And you have shown me a love that touches my heart
Like the gleam of lightning in thick clouds.

5. Do you plot against me the wiles of women in ambush
When I am a young man, old in experience?

6. Oh, sometimes the resolution of the circumspect man
Before whom she is prey escapes him.

7. Days reveal your faults to me,
Without doubt the most shameful faults.

8. So you have become downcast and misfortune has befallen you,
Which complains to you with lovers' passion.

9. Whenever a fool was enamored, I sported with him
With glances swift as lightning.

10. And how many rigid men essayed what you essayed, then retreated,
Though they wore the honeyed words of subtle spiders!