1. طلَلٌ دارسٌ وآخرُ بالي

    وربوعٌ عن الأنيس خوالي

    A ruin effaced, and another worn away,

    And dwellings empty of familiar company,

  2. ومغانٍ عفَت لفقد غوانٍ

    ورسومٌ وهَت فهن بوالي

    And abodes erased by the loss of beautiful women,

    And traces grown frail, now worn away.

  3. هيَّجَت وقفتي عليها غرامي

    وهيامي بربَّة الخلخال

    My halt beside them stirred my love,

    And my passionate longing for the lady of the anklet.

  4. عمَّر اللَه دار ليلى بليلي

    وحبَاها بعَود يوم وصالي

    May God enliven Layla’s dwelling with Layla,

    And grace it with the return of my day of union,

  5. وسقاها وإن سقتها دموعي

    بِمُلِثِّ وعارضٍ هطّال

    And water it, though my tears have watered it,

    With unceasing rain and a cloud pouring down.

  6. أيها الصحبُ إنّ هذا مقامي

    فدعُوني وصحبة الأطلال

    O companions, this is my stopping place,

    So leave me in the company of the ruins.

  7. فحرامٌ عليّ فرقة دارٍ

    كنت فيها بين المها والغزال

    For parting from a dwelling is forbidden to me,

    Where I dwelt among the oryx and the gazelle.

  8. كنت فيها ومشرع العيش إذ ذا

    ك نميرٌ أصفى من الجريال

    I dwelt there, and life’s watering place then

    Was sweet and fresh, clearer than red wine.

  9. كنت فيها والغيد ربّات أُنسي

    ولنفسي تجبي ذوات الجمال

    I dwelt there, and graceful women were mistresses of my delight,

    And for my soul the beautiful women were gathered.

  10. فمِن الشيمة الوقوف عليها

    بعيون ذرّافةٍ بابتهال

    So it is a mark of noble character to stand beside it,

    With eyes streaming tears, in supplication.