1. I walked while night was dark,
Towards the rivers with clamoring frogs.
١. سريت والليل داج
وللسواقي عجاج
2. I headed towards my desire,
As if I were a pilgrim.
٢. أسعى إلى حاجتي
كأنما أنا حاج
3. And my desire was in a fortress,
Protected by high towers.
٣. وحاجتي في حمىً
محصنِ الأبراج
4. It was surrounded
By an iron fence.
٤. عالٍ يحفُّ به
من الحديدِ سياج
5. I complained of its wall—
A lattice of glass.
٥. شكت على سوره
شوائكٌ من زجاج
6. I stood at its gate
Like a beggar in need.
٦. وقفت في بابه
كالسائل المحتاج
7. Looking for her face,
Hoping it would smile.
٧. مستطلعاً وجهها
لعله ذو انبلاج
8. My night passed while I
Met with refusal.
٨. ومر ليلي وبي
وجدٌ شديد اللجاج
9. After being spurned,
I returned in disappointment.
٩. وعدت في خيبتي
من بعد لثمِ الرتاج