1. My beloved, love's discourse is easy at first
But the agony of one possessed by it is sweet

2. I shall never forget standing one morn
As she came to me, led on by desire and love

3. A girl, she is the shining full moon unveiled
Though no east or west can contain her

4. Luxuriant, tended by the submissive sun
Willow branch swaying, doe of meadow gamboling

5. She came to me whispering with reproach, the wish
For love is not joy unless twined with admonishment

6. Still I made excuses, asked her pardon
Had she been just, she'd have known I was not to blame

7. Until she furled the standard of rebuke and smiled
From lips like moistened pearls

8. I gave her the wine of talk, a curtain between us
Of virtuous modesty, where all veils are lifted

9. She remained intoxicated, while I departed
As one made giddy by the wind, witless

10. By God, the flowing wine does not make one act
Indecently, not even if addicted to drink

11. I stood deferring my gaze in her garden of beauty
Though an angry watchman prevented me from looking

12. She did not stop seducing my heart, does a man
Endure such glances and remain indifferent?

13. She relieved my heart of its sighs
With sweet talk, at which travelers halt

14. Until her veil slipped and the desert wind
Snatched it from her hand, seized it as spoils

15. There I saw fulfillment, how hearts realize
What hearts desire, how hearts attain their wants

16. Oh what a day when wishes were doubled for us
And intimacy and nearness were pure pleasure