1. I ask the mother of spring,
Before farewell, for a little provision

2. Provision with which I bid farewell,
For I see the abode thereof is desolate.

3. She said, with the need of each you have spoken,
So come and send a gentle messenger

4. To a tryst, if only it were one
That when it ends would not perturb.

5. And she laughed in wonder when she saw
A rider halt his mount.

6. She saw a pallid man whose body
Was traversing a land that prolonged decay.

7. A brother of travel that does not restrain the steed
After weariness, save gently,

8. Whether you see me as travel has changed my color
To black and made my body thin,

9. Or, maidens like the wild cows
Brought forth walking gracefully,

10. Their forearms perfumed
And perfume mingled with aloeswood,

11. They excite with their drums hearts
With yearning whene’er they beat their tambourines,

12. When wonder has passed which did not cease
To invite a gentle heart to diversion,

13. On a plain he watered, whether spring
Or autumn.