1. I bear witness to the storyteller's eloquence at the palace
Wherein is modesty and clear expression

2. In an age of living meanly now passed
Its time has gone and this is the age

3. We arrange the night as a tryst when dusk falls
Then our talk is hidden by silence

4. O you who turn away harshly when blamed
Won't you go easy, why this estrangement

5. In Zainab's family none will obey, so turn back
Or speak until your tongue grows weary

6. You were no true friend I kept
Your censure with me has no weight

7. So begone humbled, she wants no blame
From us, nor does she feel disdain

8. How can I be patient with part of myself, can
A person be patient with part of himself?