1. Learn of the bending boughs about his stature,
And seek no tidings, saving of Nejd's uplands and its pasture,

2. Ask not concerning the mail-coat or the keen blades,
Save regarding the bare hilts grasped by his hands.

3. I loved him with the lovesick wasting and the eyelid's pain,
And the thirsty man's love for the rain-pools flashing bright.

4. I knew not, ere the down had decked his cheek,
That keener than sword's edge is his glance's barb.

5. No joy is there in wine before the beloved's love,
Until his cheek proffers the brimming cups.

6. Yet he is near, though between my sleep and his eyes
Is all the distance between troth-plight and troth-breach.

7. How can such nearness be, while between him and me
Lies estranging separation that has rent our pact?

8. I used to hope that my glances might yet obey me,
Till I saw my heart held captive in his ranks.

9. No glance but moves beneath his hair's command,
No heart but is tied to the tent-ropes of his bond.