1. The Commander of the Faithful forbade me from folly,
Yet beyond the passion there is a sea I cannot swim.

2. And the showers of eve rain down wine
From which none can slake their thirst but its pourer.

3. We recounted the stories of days gone by,
Both its praise and its blame were sweet to us.

4. By God, I know not if I will outlive desire
Or if my soul will flee, blaming it.

5. And I have hands generous in plenty
Yet in want, pride spurns what would debase it.

6. I fear insult, yet at times
I pardon the bare-backed their foolishness.

7. When the Heir brings my revelry to an end
I will come to him with another, and make it last.

8. I ransom you - when sedition rises
And its chieftain with it.

9. You tossed as a boy in the Prophet's house,
Bundled and tied to you - its amulet.