1. Has not Layla passed by and the memory of her saddened me?
And how often has the phantom of Layla passed by and saddened us!

2. And whoever is with her has few tears
That the onlooker likens to a saddled steed

3. Stopping above the camels thinking it
Laden merchandise or a shrouded corpse

4. I forgot other matters for your sake after
The night approached and darkness thickened and settled on us

5. Lo, if only I complain to Layla, she may
Relent from the sufferings of passion that afflicted us

6. Though she broke her vow to me and was wary
Of the eyes of enemies and the slanderous boy

7. I blame the one I love and desire my female companions
To see her superiority over them is clear

8. Despite myself I refrain from her if she appears
I am wary of ears against us and eyes

9. For she was angry when I said since I had no need
Of her, and she said he did not mean to love us

10. Was I ever intentionally despairing of love
Secretly, but when longing drove me I declared it

11. Her love came to me before I knew love
And so it settled in an empty heart