1. Remembering my loved ones has wearied my heart,
And I am beset by bouts of turmoil.

2. O my friend, know that my heart
Is enamored with the belle of the prayer niche.

3. My heart clung to a maiden of Quraysh,
Of graceful figure, immaculate robes.

4. A belle among women in a ruler's home,
Her lineage the pinnacle of all lineages.

5. A lovesick soldier unveiled her,
So she shone like the sun through the clouds.

6. She appeared until my heart was captured,
Then veils concealed her with their wrappings.

7. When she was curtained from my view,
I said this is no reward for a lover.

8. From behind the veil a soft-toned maiden replied,
Chiding gently, her words a reproach:

9. Send to him the handmaid, let her make haste,
We have obeyed Father of Al-Khattab.

10. Disobey not, in severing ties with Bishr's daughter,
The glorious-tented, pure-robed commander.

11. Fear the Almighty, O mother of 'Amr,
And judge your captive rightly.

12. Do with your captive one of three things:
Understand them, then send me your reply.

13. Kill him an easy death, a death of ease,
Be not to him a whip of torment.

14. Or imprison him, for soul shall redeem soul -
A decree precisely decreed in the Book.

15. Or unite with him in a binding pact,
Though the worst unities are ties based on lies.