1. Who will protect me from an oppressor of towering height,
And aid me in exacting lengthy retribution?

2. One whose beauty is flawless though he shows no kindness,
And whose charm is peerless though it brings no joy.

3. My heart clings to him though he turns away,
Spurning me, and turns instead to his own fickleness.

4. I thirst forever for the wine of his lips
With no path leading me to his sweet spring.

5. The messenger will never return to him
As my envoy returned from Damascus.

6. My delegate whom I sent after long delay -
Oh my Master - and prolonged negotiation

7. Found no acceptance from him for your missive
Save reverence and a kiss.

8. They promise us much loyalty but grant us little
To bring us happiness, and nothing at all.

9. Oh most generous of the age, unique one
Of the time, best of all and most faithful ally,

10. I see Time and the Fates and the days
Have abandoned my dreams, left bare and empty.

11. And though I sing your praises as I always have,
I depend on your bounty as I always will.