1. The clouds were embroidered on the cheek of the morning breeze
With lightning flashes of exquisite gold embroidery.

2. The full moon unsheathed a gleaming sword
When the night saw its blade it hid itself.

3. My darling's image came to me, and when
It saw above my cheek a teardrop flare up like fire,

4. It flew to the pulpit of my heart,
And there it moaned, writhing in passion’s agony.

5. O my people! Who will protect me from evil
That seduces the foreigner and makes captive the Arab?

6. If he inclines his spear, its nobility bows,
Or casts from his eyelashes a dart, wild cattle stampede.

7. How can I pluck the rose of his cheek, when
The scorpion of his locks stings my heart?

8. The moon of his face shone its light into my eyes,
Then set in my heart when it reached its west.

9. The sun rises in his cheeks when the hair
Hangs down and the side curls extend.

10. You see the full moon on the branch of coquetry
Revealing beauty and creating wonder.

11. His rosy wet lips where is a spittle
Like nothing but a gentle breeze that stirred the pools.

12. O Lord! How wondrous is the creation of this mouth,
Which revealed to my eyes a scatter of pearls!

13. Tell him, O morning breeze of the garden, about
A love-crazed one who raved in passion and wasted away.

14. He is at war, but how often in love he cried out
And kindled confusion and ignited flames!