1. Veiled, she was seized - so where is my composure?
She moved on, denying me - how can my heart bear this?

2. She left without so much as a glance in my misery's direction -
As if she had triumphed over my enviers!

3. And as her caravan set out at the parting place, she said:
"Does my friend live on, now we've parted?"

4. If he lives bereft of peace, it suits me well
To hear forever the sobbing of the group of friends.

5. I live, my torment, in the hands of grief -
I weep and scream, so hear my litany!

6. My thoughts are scattered, my strength crushed -
Love shows me ever the horror of pursuit.

7. The gale of passion and taboo was a wind
That hindered the steps of a locust swarm.

8. O people who sought and achieved my demise at dawn,
You who have seized the reins of my steed!

9. When you had no mercy, O nobles, upon a healthy youth,
Were you not the water-drawers of the river bank?

10. Thirsty, I came to you but with burning fire
You turned me back, seeking to quench my thirst.

11. You provoked my full moon, so he turned hostile
Disobeying my will, stubbornly holding his own.

12. What have you done? You've sparked dissent
Between us, and between me and my heart!

13. In love, you've fathomed each new depth -
By God, my ancestors never heard of this!

14. The gazelles of the shaded valley where they dwell
Among the beautiful wild beasts in the valley's shade -

15. The heat of summer calls you to quench your thirst,
And with my ribs, a wineskin for fervor.

16. Lower your glance from ogling people -
Gently, upon lungs and liver!

17. You turn to hunt the hearts of the mullahs -
Why not beware the cunning of the hunter?

18. I am the one wandering behind you in the meadow -
Where to flee from the perpetual love?

19. What do you want with avoidance and disdain -
Have mercy on me, for you are all I desire!

20. I seek nothing but conversation, if it
Should draw for me a kiss from that guide.