1. Leave what flowers you have grasped,
And take the generous one from the florist's hand.

2. They have made for the beautiful one her like
A crown, and they are the new moons of the dawn.

3. O two companions, you have intended
A journey, and a good soul on journeys,

4. May the eye of Him who
In existence disposes fates watch over you.

5. And may you find in Baalbek love
And bounty from a nation of the devout.

6. I do yearn for Baalbek and its people
Foremost, and they are my people and that is my home.

7. And I love its generous youths, for they
Are easygoing in public and private.

8. They hasten before you, though the elders
Hasten to them out of reverence.

9. And they receive you, O precious bride,
With the chastity of children and the gentleness of elders.

10. And they guard you on the march out of chivalry
And veneration for you with sharp swords.

11. And they crown you with intertwined blades
Like a canopy made of lights.

12. This is the house you inhabited
And those glories are the people of the house.

13. Give it back the era of joy and renew
The resolve of youth for the trace of ruins.

14. And inquire in those temples
And ask the echo about the taciturn secrets.

15. You will see the notables, kings and all who
Have knowledge and every formidable tyrant

16. Moving at the transition of their shadows
As if they sprang from the stones.

17. So they smile at you and flashes of joy
Beam at you from them.

18. Be for them a hope that your children will not
Let their garments be the dust of disgrace.

19. And when you examine the statues and wonder at
Those beauties, the seductions of the onlookers,

20. You will find them wearing, above decay,
Robes gilded with light.