1. Do not over-lament the wailing of love songs and elegies,
Nor rouse the shifty sands that settled and stilled.

2. Find no cloud for the sad heart, allow no flock
Of restless thoughts to alight on worry’s perch.

3. A quarter gone, more merciful than sweet life itself,
It turned my heart from pleasures, left it overturned.

4. Two alike—a muddle it remained or made its home—
The tent-dweller’s like a ruin beset with doubt.

5. Lovelier and more beautiful than any image of beauty,
Or constant narrative of a passion plunging deep.

6. Wine-pourer, extend the cup of drunkenness,
And lift up a mellow voice in gentle song.

7. When it flushes red, the wine-cup dots it
With its color, beads of purest pearl.

8. How many times undefiled, its seals still unbroken,
It has lived through ages, crossed epochs.

9. It had the gait of a smooth-stepping mare, and strode
With a proud tread, surpassing horsemen’s skill.

10. The bright moon of infidels pours you wine after wine,
Its glances for disobedience the strongest cord.

11. It gestures to you with richly adorned fingers,
Dyed red with henna, red as grapes.

12. When it stands, its figure sways, dressed
In a cross of gold, exquisitely wrought.

13. How often have I said, as its flirtation proffered me
Sheer delusion masquerading as play:

14. “Smiling as you make me weep, your smile in love
Is right to make me weep, yet smile at me.”