1. A perfection of beauty, supreme in graces,
Unequalled in comeliness throughout his time.

2. I know not by what quality he has captivated hearts,
That they are bound fast, enchained in his thrall.

3. Is it his face, or his hair, or his throat,
Or his stature, or his hips, or his waist?

4. God made him His sun's vicegerent among us,
Enriching us by him, dispensing with the moon.

5. Nature and manners graced and gentled him,
And hearts are humbled at his commands and his prohibitions.

6. Chaste in his familiarity, humble in his dignity,
Gracious in his aloofness, majestic in his pride.

7. His glances have a magic that ravishes us,
Hence the rose-flush of his cheeks from his tears.

8. If his observer in Babylon chanced upon him,
He would seize Harut or Marut in the frenzy of his sorcery.

9. Were Zul-Qarnain amid his gloom to meet him,
He would laugh, enlightened by his visage's radiance.

10. When I act coy before him, I fancy myself
An angel peering at the fragrance of his perfumes,

11. He thought of me with passion, upon my life,
No indeed, but drunkenness made him think so.

12. Loyalty is a duty, and a young man's perfidy
Is more disgraceful to him than unbelief.

13. Shall I disparage him for a slight failing? Why should I?
If I owned eternal life I would add it to his.

14. It is all one to me, whether he sleeps in his bed
While I suffer injustice, or lies dead in his tomb.