1. The maidens came to us, robed in modesty's garb,
Unfurling knowledge, and folding away sorcery,

2. Charming minds with the awe of their unfurling,
And distracting the gaze from proper conduct with their grace.

3. Sweeter than good tidings that came after absence,
Fairer than a blessing met with gratitude,

4. Never did I see a string of pearls shine brighter,
Or rhymes more akin to ornate prose.

5. You see each verse standing alone by itself,
Its meanings vying with its words in splendor.

6. Adorned at first with descriptions of the body, then masked,
Inclining to coyness within bounds.

7. The clouds of thought poured down on them and brought forth
Pearls of light in the gardens of flowers.

8. So they came with their meanings blending into their words,
As lightning blends with clouds heavy with wine.

9. Closer to it in lineage than its letters,
More in need of diffusion than a lovely deed.

10. I strung them into a necklace, as pearls are strung,
In loyalty's necklace of pride and nobility.

11. As if, when they passed before you, you poured
The joy of mortals into their words.

12. The gentle words' delicate grace quenched our thirst,
And their refinement allayed the headiness of drink.