1. If they veil her or hinder our tryst
By threats from a spy or command of the Emir,

2. They have not veiled my eyes that weep constantly
Nor will they possess what my conscience holds dear.

3. I complain to God of the pangs of passion,
Of burning affliction and many a tear,

4. Of innermost grief for the joys of love lost
In long, sorrowful nights with no end in sight.

5. With copious weeping my sad eyes will rain
A woeful lament as a captive in chains.

6. Ere the buds showed we shared in delight,
Blessed days of joy and of cheer.

7. No sooner the spies spied buds than they turned
And showed but the backs of their rears in flight.

8. You'd think, if our love lasted, my soul would rest sated
But naught in this world is safe from Time’s blight

9. If a man hides his love, my soul cannot know,
Nor can my conscience touch what's from sight.