1. The caller has turned towards the meadows of Jalaq
With a heart enraptured by those gardens

2. I arose, hearing the whispering of the morning breeze
Leading my youth eagerly towards them

3. My friends called out, “What pleasant warbling!”
I said, “Let us race to join them!”

4. We set out, led by hopes and desires
Just my intimate friend and confidant remained

5. Hastening to the arena of companionship in my youth
Like prized steeds racing for amusement

6. Whenever propriety called we pulled back their reins
With the gentleness of one both dignified and kind

7. When we reached the shade of its lofty trees
And the flowing of its clear, murmuring streams

8. We found in every spot a moment
For the utmost desire of one enamored

9. Neither mountain gorge nor meadow
City of Samarkand nor plain of Jalaaq

10. Except as eyes, their blackness for her eyes
When they shine between West and East

11. Gardens in it, each meadow
Choosing the most melodious singing, being selective

12. The other responding, both joining together
On a tender branch and rippling stream

13. As they joined one day on the zither, two singers
With the song of a musician amidst a drinking party

14. The dripping sap of trees around us
On the pebbles, flowing round in circles

15. The buzzing of insects sounds in our ears
Like the tunes of a lute in the hands of one lovesick

16. And a life ready to be spent here happily
Delicate coolness of the tent, most blissful rest

17. Reminding me of days that shone with love
And a delightful life amongst loved ones

18. We wasted it stuck to the sediment of youth
A night of revelry like that of Babylon’s drunk

19. Wine circulating, each filled goblet
Empty prattle to the brim, elegantly adorned

20. Baring what is beneath the veils, alluring
Conversing with glances from every onlooker

21. His talk sweeter than a doll’s
Ripping at hearts like anything torn

22. Of difficult access, dignified, gentle
We smile at the sweetness of the two cheekbones shining

23. The critics visit them in a place
Spacious, open, abundant and overflowing

24. An untouched virgin from Caesar’s time
Whose beauty the weaving of the loom surrounds

25. When dawn uncovered their gathering
We bid farewell pulling back from union

26. And nothing remained in our hearts except
The magic of her glances, what little remained

27. For life is but a brief moment, then it passes
Swiftly like a flashing light