1. A wilderness where the rains made pools is agitated by the wind,
Its sand dunes covered with rolling pebbles.

2. Some tents are pitched on its heights in an uprising,
Others humbly subside for homesteads and sheepfolds.

3. Another place, worn out, remains from ancient days,
Youthful and rainy seasons have wasted it away.

4. It is swept by winds, showers and running waters,
Meeting what no long necks had met before.

5. The abodes which distance off the visitor
And scorn the comer near, how can they be attained?

6. O friend, travel by night and remember God will guide you,
And choose the route across the rugged valley.

7. If you speak to them, maidens will give you to drink
Yemeni wine fresh from the clouds pouring.

8. Say to them, "Do you order any lion machines
That can storm the stony height after the eyes have slept?"

9. You have changed while the alternatives still abound,
But you know that for me your love is irreplaceable.

10. When doves are singing, the place reminds me
Of their plaintive cooing from the withered branch.

11. Calling together at noon with a wailing voice,
Another answers the sun every early dawn.

12. They blame you when passion has gained control,
Foolish women who have no understanding.

13. When an arrow has pierced the heart, he has no power
To obtain a cure from the waters of Euphrates.

14. How many a friend said, "Ask for her hand,
I said,ʺThen I would be the questioner.ʺ

15. Shall I ask what is unlawful? My friend would not
Ask for what unlawful, being so true and fine.

16. Would my lot had a messenger to carry to you
My needs, that you might know my words are true.

17. At first you yielded a little then hastened to favor,
But your favor is grudging - ever so little.

18. I fear I shall meet, when passion is gone,
The same fate as ʿUrwa met in days bygone,

19. When he suffered the pangs of blighted love
From Jamila's disdain after union so sweet.

20. Though life is pleasant, yet I pine with love,
My companion, they say, will soon bid farewell.

21. When he goes, sadness of parting will haunt me,
And his journey's secret will rankle within.

22. If death takes me before we part,
I shall die as noble lovers have died before.

23. In a desolate land dreaded and abandoned,
Even beasts scarce visit to drink.

24. The gazelle is restored by its water,
Though the den's lodger is emaciated.

25. I crossed it traveling with a mirthful group,
Some riding does, others lively, robust camels,

26. With slender legs, smooth cheeks and haughty walk,
Like the gait of Waleed's sword when drawn from its sheath.

27. Leila's estrangement was due neither to preoccupation
Nor cares of life that left you no leisure,

28. Nor to aversion conceived against you,
Nor preference for any other.