1. O my companion asking ruins
about the places of encampment, if they permit a question,

2. Foolishness, were it not for youthful vigor,
would have kept me riding hastily in the ruins.

3. After the family of Thurayya deserted it
and the sheep took shade in it.

4. My heart rejoices when it sees you,
though my eyes intend not to show endurance,

5. And if nearness were beneficial, I have only
increased in what I see of you, nothing but disgrace,

6. Except that while you sit before me
I will indulge in what you do not want of me.

7. So when you turn away, I see no delight in life
Nor beauty in anything.

8. You were my passion and seeing you my pleasure,
And you were my discourse and preoccupation.

9. You have lodged in the hearts and memories
And the women have left intimacy for you.

10. And you have assumed with me qualities that
Gave you my obedience, and I could not resist.

11. O reproacher, lessen your reproach of me!
I did not obey her in union.

12. Truly, what I said and complained of her
Only increased her beauty in the eyes.

13. Do not blame her, for I will not obey you about her.
I have not found for the slanderers any means with her.

14. By God, why do you kill a lover sincere
To you, loyal and devoted?

15. By my life, if you think to kill me,
It is for she has killed men before me.

16. Tell me of your estrangement and my union with you -
Do you see it prohibited or permitted?

17. So judge between us, and speak justly -
Is not the reward of a lover nothing but intimacy?

18. Would that I had died the day I kissed her mouth,
When we feared, in that terrible sight!

19. Would that for you I were a husband,
Alas! Would that for your cheek I were a mole!

20. And the sons of Al-Harith ibn Duhl embraced
glory's scions, and it elongated its branches.