1. I passed by the one with flashing lightnings humbled,
As the whiteness of the carpets opposed me.

2. Faces shone polished by the hand of the morning breeze,
With freshness upon them and cheeks reddened.

3. She cast off the veil of dawn before its time,
So the doves of the thorn-trees fluttered and cooed.

4. I saw my companion swaying,
Led by the bent of conversation and its cord.

5. Love made him lean and weep as if
He were a bending branch in the wind.

6. He said, "Do you see, O son of nobles, what I see?
Have watchfires blazed or necklaces shone?"

7. I said to him, "Hush your tears which are
Wild cows whose herdsman is black."

8. Rise, O Qurashi, prepare your camels, passion is not stilled
And the mouth of el 'Amiri shall not cease its praise.

9. I turned my eyes and heart towards her, both
And I knew not which of the two gazed more intensely,

10. If one of her arrows lodges in my ribs
What the curtains conceal will not be concealed,

11. For I and my love for her, a passionate lover,
Are evidence enough, though I swear no oaths.