1. The cords of innocence in appeasing the stern
Sacrificing ardour without shedding a tear

2. So use resolve in what you intend
And leave your wishes for the matter is not obscure

3. If shedding tears had any use
All who were healed would have been cured

4. With a dirham I’d buy the affection of the beloved
I love whoever would sell my soul for my fervour

5. I have such tears to present to the beautiful one
Were they counted among gifts

6. Praise God the beloved has conquered with magic
The magic of glances, coquetry and charm

7. Verily money attracts every amenable or obstinate person
Bribed with it is each gentle or rough

8. And dinars have power over lions
As gazelles disdain to imitate with pottery

9. The charms show no mercy to the lover
Without them, even if he is left destitute

10. A withered branch cannot benefit
Even if your eyes strain for it while it lives in luxury

11. Just as distress of mind and anxiety cannot harm
Even if your trials have led to ruin

12. Do not complain of aloofness as long as you have means
For money heals the slash of a spurned lover’s wounds

13. And how many gained their hopes
By entreating the compliant bough

14. Do not miss an opportunity when it presents itself
Hesitation leads only to loss and regret

15. For the soul aspires to what is noble
To attain the highly esteemed

16. Once all beauty was sacrosanct
Now it is considered merely merchandise

17. No good in beauty if its wares
Are sold for the price of shells

18. I keep my soul pure, not to be defiled
By deceptive guise in harmonious attire

19. If I have committed some sins
I confess to none but the All-Forgiving

20. Do not hope for loyalty from people of this world
For no one fulfils a pact of affection

21. People are of two kinds: devious and envious
Which group would you have as allies?