1. I have endured much suffering,
And been made to drink bitterness.

2. My body has become
Both hated and loved.

3. I cared not for love,
Nor loved the love of Zainab.

4. Love made for me
A thousand acres arable.

5. What a wondrous stream it was!
I saw in it strange things.

6. The opposites were joined in it:
Bitterness and companionship.

7. Water flowed from it,
And embers ignited.

8. The torrents rush on as I hear
The flood has reached the hilltops,

9. And fire is kindled as I see
My bones for it are fuel.

10. My fingers are soaked but I
See only moisture from it.

11. With silver it is sealed,
With tin and gold.

12. In it you see ruby and
Pearl and coral.

13. With tin and sulfur
It inflames and despoils.

14. Whoever sees me says:
The horizon is now starry.

15. I'm a star in the east
That never comes to the west.

16. My life darkens whenever
I see a star in her.

17. I've seen no serpent
Unless I've seen a scorpion.

18. I'm stung by thorns and
Stabbed by them with daggers.

19. I hide my palms from people
In shyness and shame.

20. Nothing's exposed unless
My hands about it wrap.

21. From disgrace my hands became
A king concealed in robes.

22. The torrents and tears do ornament
My clothes, my shirt, and cloak.

23. I wear a simple garment
And then I see it gilded.

24. Of all beauty I was deprived
When crippled I became.

25. Tar and sulfur became
The musk and scent of my robes.

26. Oh Scurvy, unless I understate
My scurvy and exaggerate,

27. I've become full of sores, no more
Hair, but only distress.

28. With skin all ripped and blood
Flowing, shunned, forlorn.

29. All who befriend me
Become avoiding me.

30. All flee from me in fear
Of contagion and run away.

31. A leper infects the land
Even his garment like a wolf.

32. Oh disease! I have become
In my home an exile.

33. Apart from my family,
With them wavering about me.

34. I was chosen then rejected,
Exalted then debased.

35. My head, which was raised,
Became for my sins bowed down.

36. I'm angry at my state.
I've a right to die angry.

37. No welcome to life, but
To death a thousand welcomes!

38. My life passed and I found
Death to be sweet and good.

39. No food is as delicious
Nor drink as palatable to me

40. As to live, if I'm to live,
Tormented in this way.

41. My food, my life, and my
Wellbeing are to perish.

42. Alas for a world where still
One finds only toil!

43. Destinies flow with what
One dislikes, will or not.

44. And affliction.
One moment he is like a giant,

45. The next like a waft of dust.
How many has sought a goal

46. Only to find destruction!
The truth I say, I say

47. Not ever a lie.
Be you human or angel,

48. Or angel drawn near,
As long as you exist

49. You'll never be without toil.