1. My companion rebukes me, though my heart is not to blame,
And has become stubborn against good counsel.

2. I used to be easygoing, almost frivolous,
But met one who ruined my fun.

3. I toss sleepless, remaining wakeful through the night,
As if my heart wants to fly off from me.

4. And whoever tastes a bit of my love's agony,
Know that I have drunk deep of anguish.

5. When I remember the devout, tears pour forth unbidden,
And I cannot forget that dawn when she wept and said:

6. "Do you wake at dawn or go roaming at first light?"
I said: "Roaming comes closer to a lover than dawn."

7. Sa'eed blames you for his affection,
But there is no fault in loving Abda.

8. You were fooled that Sa'eed's blame, my dear,
Comes from stinginess - no, I am freer than the breeze.

9. Let the lover's blame subside when passion envelops him,
For women's love has spun such confusion.

10. You cannot dissuade love with blame,
Nor calm the infatuated with rebuke.

11. When we beg a kiss from her, she teases,
Coyly feigning reluctance and jest.

12. Her smile is honey flowing pure,
With the tang of ginger and scent of basil.

13. She was pampered in luxury, so the envious glances
Of the blue-eyed could not touch her.

14. Yes, I am devoted to her; my life is her gift,
Love's offering, on the breath of the winds.

15. And if it destroys me, may my ruin last,
So her wellbeing and virtue remain intact.

16. You cast off my love and broke my rope,
But I did not care to discard your affection.

17. My generosity in union is for one impassioned
By your memory, in the evening and at dawn.

18. He is sick with love for you, though legions
Of love's death have marched against him.

19. Heal me, doctor, and gently cure my illness -
Today is your birthday, congratulations!

20. When you ask after me, it kindles a heart
That does not multiply in comfort.

21. How can one sick, melancholy, starving,
Be cured by loaves that cannot satisfy?