1. O Bakr, a restless dream has come to me,
Stirring sorrow and depriving me of sleep.

2. It crossed the desert, appearing at dusk
Across the valley that separated us.

3. If I mention my beloved Hind,
You’ll see good character in my manners.

4. If she knew—and the best knowledge
Is what proves truest for a person—

5. That she occupies my soul in verse
And speech, whenever it speaks,

6. And a heartfelt love I haven’t mixed
With any falseness, she wouldn’t blame.

7. No fair maiden cards wool more finely
Than she, when she appears with graceful neck.

8. One morning when she left, I too prepared
To depart, intending to follow her.

9. You’d see her glances leave the eyes
Of her admirers streaming with tears.

10. She swore a sincere oath that she was made
By the hand of the One who created all.

11. For ages I’ve been bound by ropes of love—
Ropes like those that bind her shoulders.