1. I was not the first to experience
The blossoming of flowers and swaying branches,

2. Nor leaves shedding and songs adorned
With gentle whispers and tender gazes.

3. Gatherings of youths and maidens in
Blissful melodies and rhythms at night,

4. Until dawn on the sand, O what joyous company!
Or in garden groves with scintillating lights

5.
With lamps and lanterns, couches

6. Fit for princes and noblemen.
A camel driver singing merrily,

7. A shepherd guiding his flock.
Some walking slowly, others remained still,

8. Like ships passing through vermillion clouds.
Bearing gazelles, shy suns,

9. Pearly crescents, auspicious stars.
Sipping the chill of mint, scattering pearls,

10. Fragrant with sweet basil.
The juice of their lips on apple cheeks

11. Intoxicating as wine.
Beauty and charm divided among them

12. As seductive as the devil.

13. Just so, without mischief or sorrow
To disturb the heart.

14. Rosy cheeks, dark tresses,
Swaying hips, pearly teeth.

15. Moonlike, nightlike, sunlike,
Morning like, cool like.

16. Tread gently, sway gently,
O kindest of youths.

17. O sweetest sugar from wine
That provokes only joy.

18. Have mercy on the drunkard,
Let him revel carefree.

19. O days of youth and love!
O nights that stirred passions!

20. A time for nostalgia and song
To the tunes of the minstrel.

21. The meadows still smile with flowers
Bowing on branches.

22. Their eyes tell tales to the narcissus,
Shooting arrows from their lashes.

23. The shade shortens with the breeze
Stirring the drinkers' cups.

24. While lovers' tears flow
Like pearls and coral.

25. No sleep for their heavy lids,
With hearts aflutter.

26. The guardians never wavered
Bringing much joy as requested.

27. O finest company and delight!
Gatherings of boon companions.

28. In lofty homes lit nightly
Polishing keen minds.

29. Some on carpets, some on pillows,
Embracing, joking, reciting.

30. Witty, refined, enraptured lovers,
Eloquent in fullest expression.

31. They matched elegance with eloquence,
Wit with rhetoric, in perfect harmony.

32. Naught but this is life,
All else is idle raving!