1. Youth has departed, but I wish it hadn’t gone away,
And it has become a burden on one who bears and staggers.

2. It has gone without need and after it has gone
Grey hair has taken its place and settled in the home.

3. I wish youth had stayed with us for a while
Before grey hair, but it didn’t wait.

4. So we could enjoy its pleasures and delight
As in the early days when it was in its first phase.

5. We would let youth graze its meadows at ease
In soft, smooth, welcoming plains,

6. As was our time and its time in days gone by
When we were in youth’s embracing shade.

7. Though the prime of youth has passed and its vigor,
And confusing, obscure signs have begun to appear,

8. I gained through it no disgraceful earnings,
And I will always cherish its generous provision.

9. And I see in its shade and pleasures
A source safe from vulgarity, pure water to drink.

10. I hated to part with it, I disliked its tax
Since some of its followers are vulgar at heart.

11. And what a fine reminder is the dress of the wise,
The dress of old age, instructing the ignorant!

12. And it may be that if youth becomes
Deep darkness, its opposite then takes its time.

13. In it, for the debauched one seeking pleasure if he craves youth
After old age, and the doddering of the pretender,

14. Bikarat blamed me, so I said, not keeping away:
“It's not wrong to jest and laugh, don't be hasty!”

15. O Bishr, people of affection and love are with us,
Good news to you, by the Lord of all who makes calm!

16. If your love were meager, we would shun it,
Certainty would be far, doubt unsolvable.

17. Know that He who divided love, truly
You are entitled through our love which did not stint,

18. So reward a fervent lover whose heart you have robbed,
And disobey those who find faults through it and speak nonsense.

19. A secret-keeper whose thoughts turn to none but you
So he can see you where you are secluded.

20. No slanderer has maligned you among us
Except he is driven back in anger, rejected,

21. To the point that the slanderers have grown short
And they have seen their words with me fall lower.

22. You have come down, so beautify, O Bishr,
A place before you with us that was not adorned.

23. You have revived a heart that was dormant, so its love
Is a torrent rushing joyfully to you.

24. If our Master weighed the love of fair Bishr,
And measured it, none could match its quality!