1. The heart is sick with passion
And the body is ill and frail

2. And the lover is worn with longing
Wandering madly in love's travail

3. He yearns for his beloved always
And longing, though spurned, won't fail

4. How many a night has he lain sleepless
With the stars his only veil

5. O gazelle, my brother in passion
Pay no heed to those who assail

6. For the critic is wont to blame
While the lover is deemed to fail

7. The critic's heart is mean and grudging
The lover's heart is hale

8. O you who own my heart and spirit
O spirit animating my veil

9. For you I sing this song of praise
That makes bright gems grow pale

10. Molded of finest eulogy
For one who all knowledge inhale

11. A sheikh nourished on bounty's breast
No doubt while others wean and flail

12. A sage encompassing intellect
Beyond what minds can unveil

13. The gnostic of perfected grace
The adept, wise and hale

14. Nu'man, justice his only path
Walking the straight trail

15. The lord, fount of nobility
Valiant brother of honor unveiled

16. He in whom all glory resides
Whom no stars in their courses curtail

17. The sea, all bounty and generosity
The generous love to avail

18. O quintessence of this age
For you have no peer or parallel

19. He in whom all beauty resides
And beauty on essence prevails

20. For you I send a virgin bride
Of face so fair unveiled

21. Exalted in her earthenware self
With you, her status will never fail

22. Take her, and joy be yours always
Delight without end or curtail

23. Submit, let time in peace prevail
For lovers, longing will never fail

24. Nor has Fate best praised you in verse
That for you shall always avail