1. Ahmad passed by me but did not stop,
Would that on his return he had paid me some heed.
١. قد مرَّ بي أحمدٌ فما وَقَفا
فليته في رجوعه عطفا
2. So I said, “Will you not have pity on one
Who pines all night, crazed with love?”
٢. فقلتُ سُؤلي أما ترقُّ لمن
أمسى من الحبِّ هائماً دَنِفا
3. At my reproach his cheeks turned red
As though roses had just been plucked from them.
٣. فاحمرَّ خدّاه من معاتبتي
كأنما الورد منهما قُطِفا
4. Then he said, “Do not blame my indifference -
You will always find the handsome ones disdainful.”
٤. فقال لي لا تلم على صلفي
كلُّ مليحٍ ترى له صَلَفا