1. All goodness comes from you, caller to goodness, be glad O Saad!
When prohibitions deter and longing calls,

2. Surely reason's reins call one to moderation,
And to reach moderation is estrangement, and to know it is loss.

3. Return to remembrance and leave thought of moderation,
If you are of those whose purpose is transcendent knowledge.

4. And do not become jealous when she is mentioned,
For the one remembering her is ardently in love with her.

5. Her beauty was unveiled for others than the passionate,
So they turned away just as the sun does from bleary eyes.

6. Yet the lover's perception is not like theirs, so if he weeps
In joy, my tears at seeing the sun are obvious.

7. Leave off valuing the precious soul in her eyes,
For she belongs to no one but a slave without price,

8. Close in access for the lover, and when he attains union,
Neither nearness nor distance remains.

9. They supposed she was dual, for she bent double,
Though her essence bends, and it is single.

10. And the curves of her waist spoke beautifully,
So they thought a dove cooing above her breasts.

11. They said she has a beauty spot of softness, alluring;
You speak truly - she has a beauty spot, indeed she has no equal.

12. If you've promised to join her beauty,
Some of her lovers can help you keep your word.

13. Do not say the world has corrupted him; but rather
The world is eclipsed for him by his beloved.

14. None protects the sweet roses but a stranger
Who has free access to every garden and meadow.