1. I drew near a black girl, alluring,
Seeking to fathom the heart of her mystery;

2. I asked her about her home, and she smiled,
As if to reveal her heart was to unveil its secret.

3. I saw her walking, dragging her mystery,
Yet the tugging but increased the pull at my heart.

4. “My home,” said she, “is above all so fair;
Sweet to reside in is its dwelling place.

5. Hot is it longing for who yearns for its heat,
And sweet for who seeks rest to repose in its peace.”

6. By night it is moonlit, starry and bright,
The fairest of meadows all moist with its dew;

7. I lingered about that home, blissful and gay,
Delighting in nothing save roaming its shades.

8. Until the approach of some boys of her clan,
Put fear in my heart of the peril of harm.

9. I greeted her then, and with heart hot as fire,
She rose to her feet in a swirl of her robe.