1. Who will lend an ear to my complaining,
And a hand to my embracing?

2. Coffee to take my cares away
And my worried thoughts effacing.

3. Take heart, my friend, through the long night,
Though help may be delaying.

4. Say to those who grudge to share with me
A little of their little:

5. Greetings of peace, though words be brief
And a glance from the messenger only.

6. Is there hope of union or must I despair?
Ask if there’s a way, some way to attain.

7. My soul, beware a fickle lover
Who breaks his vows, no constancy maintaining.

8. A human gazelle, whose languid eyes
Are lined with kohl, no ardour retaining.

9. They chide his cheek for the musk concealed there
Under that smooth surface vainly dissembling.

10. His dimpled cheeks hint at a lovely face.
I pine for him yet he shows no pity for me.

11. To Yahya once, as night was falling,
I said, as the burdens were lifted:

12. ‘Tis I they blame, when they talk of leaving,
As they make plans for departing really.