1. Strengthen me, O Divider of burdens,
And help me bear my misery.

2. I am in Your hands, so protect them,
And on You I depend for all my solace.

3. If You forbid the beloved's consolation,
Then what have You left for the poets?

4. Lord, protect her and keep her for me as a shadow
Of tenderness that stretches across my desert.

5. And raise the wicked tongues away from her,
And harm in the black, envious eyes.

6. You, my Lord, did not create a beauty
Like hers among the pure angels.

7. You, my Lord, did not create a loyalty
Like that which her love won among women.

8. You, my Lord, did not create any women
Like Layla, pure of heart.

9. She, my Lord, is a piece of You in love
That flowed from Your green tears.

10. Can she become withered while You are spring,
Ever sweet, sweet of breeze?

11. My God, bring the far ones close to me
And distance the harm of my kin.

12. Lord, turn my eyes away from all the living,
Lord, deafen my hearing to news.

13. Shall I see an image or hear a voice
Before my distant beloved returns?