1. O how I love the short river and its sunset,
And the breeze of these ruins and meadows.

2. It quenched my thirst long ago in its shade,
Nothing was sweeter to me or more fragrant.

3. Days when I delighted in pure cheeks
And slender waists and kissing mouths.

4. I would visit the taverns and see nothing there
But what wantonness had made its way.

5. What has passed me by, now my fingers are old?
I did not have my fill of pleasures in my prime.

6. So I will abandon my dignified fellow
And embark on a ship of debauchery.

7. I will witness the suns of every joy
And be the horizon’s sunrise and sunset.

8. O my friends, you have outlived me,
Heed the words of one who knew life and tried it.

9. The Merciful did not create anything in vain,
Wine was not made for you to avoid it.

10. Do not sing solemnly or reservedly
But spiritedly, joyfully, with Zainab and her like.