1. Listen, a tale that shows a moral
The talk last night of yearning and vigil

2. A Turk in Damascus' valley saw
Among gardens, a girl shaming the moon

3. He loved her and she loved him, before long
Love kindled flames in both their hearts

4. They promised to meet atop a bend
Hidden from people by trees there

5. In their quarter was a hateful spy
Vicious and harsh, loving evil and harm

6. The wretch learned their secret tryst
If only he was guided when he found out

7. He waited in ambush for the meeting
Full of malice, eager and watching

8. When darkness fell he saw the two
Approaching cautiously, loving and shy

9. He yelled, terrorizing the lovers
For his transgression there was clear proof

10. She headed home seeking her love
But learned no news or trace of him

11. Seeing his room key in the door
She entered, avoiding danger still

12. Then she saw the traitor approaching
Her lover's house, like a flood descending

13. Missing her darling, she dressed in his armor
Seized his sword, that castle's defender

14. She fought the transgressor, and before long
Struck him down, no mercy did he get

15. With his blood she quenched the blaze
Of hatred burning hot in his heart

16. She left his body in the wild
Where beasts' claws and fangs did tear apart

17. While her lover home alone remained
Sick with love, suffering longing and thought

18. He went out restless, wanting news
Sensing the aggressor nearby, alert

19. But he lost the path she took
And could not see his love at all

20. Then he saw something shining
Like lightning flashing on empty plains at night

21. It was a lily bracelet, torn off
As she fought the transgressor, strewn apart

22. Perplexed at this sign, on bloody ground
Where the slain oppressor had met his fate

23. "O bracelet, how could you, her killer
Leave that neck and wrist so fair?"

24. Distraught, searching for the enemy
But not a trace of him was there

25. Until he saw nearby a specter
He shuddered in fear as it drew near

26. Suspecting some trick, the bloodied ghost
He thought, had slain his lovely dear

27. "Who fought with the sword and struck her down?"
He cried "If only she had replied before!"

28. "I fell dead by the sword of my love
Crying aloud amidst the wasteland's roar

29. In my confusion I killed you, forgive me
Do not reject fate and destiny's decree

30. Awaken, my sorrow, was it you my love?
Without you no life remains, bereft I flee"

31. Dawn rose, people gathered and spread
Their tale through the streets renowned

32. Seeing them strewn, facing skyward
A verse was inscribed, to mourn both lovers:

33. "Lovers' abode, none would allow their embrace
So a grave envelops them in its space"