1. A hundred of those I loved turned away from me and kept distant,
And reproached me with estrangement, and said "No!"

2. Among the Turks is a miserly man of wealth,
Who knows nothing but the word "No!"

3. Drowsy-eyed, he taught me
That after being active he inclines to laziness.

4. Gentle of manner, hard of heart,
Do not hope for union from one who has acted thus.

5. There is none like me in love,
Neither he who said "No!" nor he who did so.

6. With his sword he decided to kill me in an instant,
And with his spear's point he imprisoned me.

7. He brandished a spear and rose up against me striking-
I was perplexed, not knowing how I might kill him.

8. O my people! of a lover free
Who was ever engaged in betraying me.

9. The full moon appears, moving into view,
And the full moon sees nothing but the crescent.

10. He drew a line above his cheek, a mole on his temple,
The beauty spot dotted it - what a shape!

11. God created him a fair plant
And nurtured him with care and provision.

12. From his sides and his glances
My poetry was woven and my love songs composed.

13. And in my sickness, when he turned into a poet,
I went, through love, broadcasting my shame.

14. He is proud in beauty, an example - and so
I have become among the deserts like an example.

15. He passed the wine cup around to his lovers
And gave them a cup of firmness and fulfillment.

16. Every wine is forbidden except
His saliva - it is to me a permitted drink.

17. The critic has transmitted about me a consolation -
The critic lied in what he transmitted.

18. If he says I am a lover, no indeed!
Or anything but this, if he speaks, no!

19. O critic, do not blame him,
I do not listen to one who finds fault.