1. O messenger of love, convey my greetings to Salma
And kiss her smiling lips that cause me such pain

2. And confide my passion to her, perhaps mercy
Will spare this heart from shattering into pieces

3. And tell her of my yearning that eats away
At a heart heavy with sadness and grief

4. How much anguish lies beneath this heart!
How many ribs lie between this body, broken!

5. How many tears in the darkness of night
Almost shine from the pain, piercing the gloom

6. And how much sorrow in the folds of the air
Its moans almost heard by the deaf as well!

7. O you who keep us apart, have mercy
O you who destine us, be kind in your decree

8. O you fluttering heart, as if it were
A dove stripped of tranquility, without peace

9. O my burning liver, o my inflamed stomach
Flowing with torment each day without rest

10. Is being close our fate? Is time our friend?
Can we hope for relief and joy someday?

11. Is union assured? Does separation loom?
Is life blissful? Can we delight in bounty?