1. My noble messenger, carry for me
A message of passion

2. And take from me utmost honor
To the most honorable beloved

3. And complain to him bitterly
Of the torment of an enamored gazelle

4. And resume kissing his lips
Do not hesitate before him

5. And describe to him some of what
I have suffered and be gentle

6. And examine his face
Where the conscience appears and you will know

7. For the face and eyes are the signs
Of the hidden conscience

8. And water does not conceal pebbles
From the eyes of the observer

9. So how can deceit be hidden in the face
Of the most beautiful and gentle one?

10. So when you see him satisfied
Speak and do not hesitate

11. Won't you show pity to one suffering from passion,
Whose sorrows are exposed?

12. Jacob's sorrow found no patience in him
For Joseph

13. The agony of love did to his heart
What fermented wine does

14. The night passes over him
Between pain and sighing

15. A heart in turmoil and eyelids
That did not blink

16. I pretended patience but how can one
Yearn without being compelled?

17. My master, or the loving one remains
With the unresponsive beloved

18. Oh woe to him, since you did not show
Mercy or gentleness

19. And who upholds faithfulness
To a lover if you did not?

20. If the tears were pleasant like rain
I would not have held back

21. I have cried without pause or pretense
The plotting of the rival troubles me, be wary and afraid

22. For I will drown with my tears every harsh and turbulent one
Love has become cruel and time unfaithful

23. And I have found no sympathizer
So I complain of my darkness

24. To the court of a just arbitrator