1. A flash gleamed radiantly,
And the wings of night had fallen dark.

2. So I spent the night miserable and sleepless,
Tossing and turning in my bed.

3. The stars of its sky shone
With their brilliance on the horizon.

4. And they reminded me of a band
Who at their parting were torn apart.

5. My heart is miserable with passion,
Melted and set ablaze.

6. Infirm, whenever the morning breeze stirs,
It stirs and flutters.

7. I am love's captive; the door of patience upon it
Is shut and bolted.

8. A gazelle, clad in the anklets’ tinkling,
Appeared by night over a moon-like tent pole and a branch above a lofty dune.

9. Sipping from its spittle as if from wine,
Tasting it in draughts and sips.

10. With true devotion my love I gave her,
Never tasting it or sipping.

11. I know not whether a bud she planted
In my heart, or a piercing glance.

12. She is coy with me, yet shows me
Gentleness, charm, and favor.

13. In beauty she surpasses the full moon of heaven,
Should it be full and perfectly round.

14. When she appears, you see
A cheek, soft, white, pure.

15. And, like musk, verses in order strewn,
Their fragrance wafting.

16. When you speak to them about what they contain,
They speak back to you in rhyme.

17. I sought, trying to make them come to me,
And they flowed to me smooth and slick.

18. Praise for the king - may the singer
Of his subtle generosity pour music in the East.

19. Scion of the benefactor, the king
Who has arranged the honor of superiority.

20. A brother of generosity - if you seek
A gift from him, it flows freely.