1. Sweeter than safety, to one with a thirst unquenched,
In you all beauty is brought together and originated.

2. Your glances know no kohl but the kohl itself,
Nor your neck any ornament but its own splendour.

3. I thought the saliva in your smiling mouth
Was melted pearls from the coldest clime.

4. If I were told, with soul held hostage by thirst,
“Moses’ hand or chill chains” I’d not want either.

5. Moses, give alms to the beggar of your love - do not
Turn away my palms, so many nights have they clutched my liver.

6. Do not wound, with estrangement and rejection, an eye
Which found in you the taste of tears and wakefulness.

7. Visit me, for even if you were generous with union, you’d not
Have permitted an embrace when little of me remained.

8. Long bound by the pact of patience was I,
Until your piercing glance cut threads in the knot’s heart.