1. I stayed awake though no illness afflicted me,
I watched the long night refuse to pass.

2. When stars twinkled and fluttered in it,
I saw the train of stars clearly in the night’s wake.

3. When the first part of night had passed in sleeplessness
And I despaired of resting my eyes,

4. I entered in fear and stayed awake distressed,
My ribs crushed, my bones mangled and worn out.

5. She came obediently at the sound of my voice
Like a perfume imbibing the wine of life.

6. She bit her thumb out of fear for me
And said, “You’ve come too early.”

7. Why didn’t you, when sure you were entering,
Steal to us quietly in the empty darkness?

8. So eyes that stare would miss us
And you could come without a guide to show you the way.

9. I said, “Your love called me and I responded,
Coming to you.” But she said, “No, you are hasty by nature.”

10. When we freely conversed and complained of love,
Speech again became difficult and troublesome.

11. I told her of love, revealing some of it
While concealing the anguish it caused within my heart.

12. I said, “Greet those whose hearts your love has captured,
And for whom sincere affection has become disdain.”

13. She drew back saying, “You are still infatuated
With sincerity, although you could be killed for it.”

14. Aloof as the sun, then she softened and drew near me,
Saying, “You have asked for little.”

15. You know the affection we bear you,
Our lasting devotion, if you but seek it.

16. At first sight, my eyes welcomed you,
And you, cousin, were given my acceptance.

17. So you became a care within my heart and a death,
A shadow of blessings shading me.

18. A prince over all I possess, if you but will it,
So ask! For the Merciful grants every request.

19. I said, “O comfort of my soul! I am asking
A noble request. I have never asked for something so fine.

20. I ask that you disobey the words of a slanderer
Even if he is close kin to you and familiar.

21. Let your spirit not be straitened against me,
Lamenting loudly if I should perish.

22. And if one day when I come to you
A messenger of complaint, weak and frustrated,

23. Be generous to your companion, grant him
Some glance of affection in his distress.