1. With cheeks like red apples,
And breasts like pomegranates,

2. With the fragrance of sweet basil
Wafting over slender branches.

3. They came bearing goblets
As though gaps in a suit of armor,

4. From every veil and scarf hem
Scented with musk and camphor.

5. Haifa, if I asked for her blood
She’d call me her martyred one!

6. But she favored me when she smiled
Black lines on white teeth.

7. So shall I shed my blood to quench her?
While cruel scorn fills her cheek?

8. With limbs swaying like boughs
Stirred by the breeze in flight!

9. Gentle of glance, subtle of wit
With eyes that entice and forbid

10. That deal out largesse and jewels
Between jest and earnest.

11. You are the captain! My blood’s true mettle!
Drink deep of the captain’s blood!

12. Welcome a bride of purest musk
Her cheeks red rose petals.

13. She came to you, a maiden
Full-breasted, wanton eyed.

14. What joys she gave you one night—
Perfect in all fortune.

15. So dawn breaks for us
The day of feast has come.

16. Her face, purest ivory
Flushed with red, dashed with black.