سترت الهوى والدار تجمع شملنا

فلما استعدوا للنوى انكشف الستر

I concealed my love while the house held us together.

But when they prepared to part, the veil was lifted.

ملكت وهم في الدار صبر محلم

فلما استقلوا صار يملكني الصبر

While they were in the house, I possessed Muḥallim’s patience.

But when they departed, patience came to possess me.

وفاضت دموع العين وهي تراهم

فكيف إذا ما حال دونهم الدهر

And tears overflowed from my eye as it beheld them.

How, then, will it be when time stands between me and them?

عذرت علىأن لم أمت قبل بينهم

فلما استبدّوا بينهم سقط العذر

I was excused for not dying before their parting.

But when they went their own way in parting, the excuse fell away.