1. Alas! The heart of a lover, what does it endure?
Every heart becomes like stone towards it.

2. Oh my eyes! Where are the tears? For my heart
Has melted, my breath kindled to flames.

3. My passion and longing intensified through love
Of a beauty, whose memory set my heart afire and maddened me.

4. Of Turkish origin, gentle in manners, hard-hearted,
Easy to deceive, difficult to be sociable.

5. Narrow-eyed, which is a trait of the miser, so if he is generous,
It goes against the norm.

6. He drew the bow, and his cheeks were adorned
With a rose-colored robe, its embroidery from Aceh.

7. And he shot two arrows, one into my heart
And the other into the paper.

8. Under arms he is a lion in its lair,
And on the bed, a gazelle in the meadow.

9. My friend, for God’s sake sing, make mention of him,
And hide the spittle on his lips with wine.

10. And enjoy the pleasures of life, for no amusement
Exists except in revelry and dalliance.

11. How lovely are the Nereids from the Euphrates river,
And the green meadows of Banas!

12. And the breeze that blows over the hillocks
Anointed with fragrant breath.

13. A town the minister made prosperous, so its pasture
Became fertile and its people immersed in celebration.

14. Say to the one who sees me, say I seek refuge with the Lord
Of mankind. This minister is the lord of mankind!

15. An awe that fills hearts, a dignity from which
The eyes of those seated around are dazzled.

16. Intellect that fathoms the seven oceans, and wisdom before which
Mountains crumble.