1. Atiq said when I complained of my youth
And an ailment from my heart made itself felt:

2. “Is it right that if the house of the beloved moves away
Or a rope breaks that your heart should fly off?

3. Be sensible - lovers have come to their senses and left
Passion, while men continue with stratagems.

4. Control your heart and keep your honor intact
For fate alone brings the beloved closer or pushes away.

5. If you have hung on to the beloved, don’t listen
To the words of one who makes a show or pretends.

6. Forget her love and imagine your intimacy with her
And company like one you don’t keep company with.

7. Consider her like something that was not
Or someone the tombs have made disappear.

8. If you don’t do this - and you won’t and can’t
Or accept advice from one giving counsel -

9. Then don’t disgrace yourself by going to her
And indulging this heart when you can lead.

10. I didn’t stop until people frowned at my visits
And eyes watched me with disapproval.”