1. Alas! For a heart that does not tire or languish!
Look towards the horizon, for consolation from Buthaina is most beautiful.

2. Greetings to all beloved ones whose places I have come to know,
While you remain there until death's appointed time.

3. Not like this did you love those before her,
Nor in times past did you behave this way.

4. Help me endure the piercing of ardent love that you used to ask for
In the night they returned their revilements and endured patiently

5. So they became the people of the dwellings by morning and
The ravens in the abode became anxious.

6. At the time when authority turned away from us and
The rod of separation flourished and hoped-for reconciliation sprouted.

7. And days have left in me, because of the hostility,
A blade that severs when it strikes.

8. I am not like one who, if he feels injury, submits,
Nor one whom fate has bitten and who recoils.

9. By my life, separation has shown me its aspect
And made clear what I would want, had I any sense.

10. And the last time I saw Buthaina was a gaze
At a stance that nearly killed me from the separation.

11. So God bless he who saw the like of an ardour
I concealed though my soul chafed from it.

12. I weep when love for you is recalled
And I am made abject by passion for you.

13. I looked with a joyous mien, a look which left me
Shedding copious tears while my eyes grew dark.

14. When I glance her way it returns the glance
Damp with tears welling forth.

15. So heart, leave off thoughts of Buthaina though
You love her, fretting and miserly.

16. A canal of bitters not above its banks
With naught beneath it but brackish seepage.

17. I have despaired of attaining her and frowned gloomily
For despair, if attainment lacks, is best.

18. Unless you ask her before she is far off
And spare her when asked, once distant.

19. How can you hope for union after such distance
When the rope of union is cut by the one you hope for?

20. She whom you loved is now beyond reach
So be resolute and turn elsewhere, O resolved one.

21. In despair there is consolation, amongst people there are friends,
And on earth, a refuge from those who do you no good.

22. Coolness from me towards her was burdensome for her
And the hidden torment of ardour is best.

23. Excuse me, attained by darkness,
Whether innocent or culpable, seeking respite.