1. O Lord, You know that of all Your servants, humankind
Is dearest to us, and the sweetest boon of all

2. Is the one we love, whether present or absent.
So reward the lover with a greeting, and reward him

3. Who desires to sever the bonds of love with estrangement.
Amen, O Lord of the Throne, so hear us and grant

4. What we ask, and do not disappoint our hopes.
I have been burdened by my love for you with a monstrous load,

5. For love brings the youth anguish and sorrow.
If you were to show us your coquetry, we would wish

6. For nothing else, for that would suffice.
Yet for me you obeyed slanderers who blamed you,

7. While you disobeyed, for my sake, family and brothers.
I was told that when our letter came to you,

8. You glanced at the address and tossed it aside
Like a stick, which pained me deeply.

9. Then, still scornful, you read it, defiant.
You said, “The messenger has lied. I have lost him

10. For spreading falsehoods, hoping for favors.”
"The messenger lied"—question the source of this tale,

11. And do not be hasty to judge.
No, it came to me and I read it happily,

12. My face smiling, and after smiling, weeping.
I said, “If only the news it bears, apart from Nazirah’s,

13. Were from a loyal friend, not one who betrays our secret to enemies.”
I have done no wrong in what I did. Rather,

14. The generous one rewards those who cheat and betray.
I cut your tie when you cut it, for I was told

15. You had fallen for Siwan.
That was a sin after the sin you committed

16. That wounded my heart, and other wounds like it.
You were blunt about it, not hiding the fact

17. That you wanted nothing to do with me.
I said, “Listen, do not hastily sever ties.

18. I swear sincerely I speak the truth.”
“The talebearer who brought you this news is a liar

19. Seeking to cut the cord between us.”
Do not combine estrangement and groundless divorce.

20. Understand me and be certain of my certainty.
To those I love and befriend

21. I am intimate and gentle, not aloof or haughty.
I draw near to a friend when he desires closeness,

22. And I avoid him like he avoids me, at times.
If he shuns me, I treat the one who turns away with respect,

23. Yet find, when he leaves, another place and home,
Not divulging his secret in estrangement,

24. But guarding what he trusted me with.