1. Whether they are fair or unfair, they are my beloved
And the owners of my heart, no matter what they do

2. Let them know that my affection does not change
With the changing of their dispositions or boredom

3. And let them withhold blame from my heart with their kindness
For I have laid out a carpet, its length extended by love

4. It is right that rain should visit their abode
And that I say to them, O you who have cut off ties, pray

5. So whenever the lightning flashed I would say to it
Make it brief, for my heart is preoccupied with the Nile’s lightning

6. So I have no regrets over anything except my ardour
For loving those who have no equal in the world

7. Beloveds who have a dwelling in my heart
Which has become my paradise and abode

8. My love for them excuses me
An excuse made sacred by passion and poetry