1. Do I hear what the doves, the lovers, cooed?
And the cries of a separated lover fallen in the thicket?

2. We forbade the greeting of words, though it was permitted,
Other than hints or fingers signaling.

3. The eyes refuse to be miserly except with gossip
Of what their veils have written on their cheeks.

4. And I am overcome with impatience, for indeed,
Such is a man’s ignorance in confronting love.

5. As if the morning breeze blew into a garden,
In whose summit shines an unfailing star.

6. Light kindles in it from every side,
And the predawn moisture makes it weep.

7. And it burst its carpets with fragrant meadowsweet as if
It heaved with musk whose scent the trees diffuse.

8. O heart that passionately loved to distraction!
To this day, will you return?

9. When people are heedless of our news
And for love there is succor, and for union, a uniter.

10. When she is like the full moon revealing its night,
While I am blackened by separation, O burnished one!

11. Into the necks of mounts she plunged as if
They were monks’ cells with their domes.

12. And she rode out from the two abbeys quickening her pace
As if their pack saddles were platforms.

13. When a rainy night hangs over it
Drying those it touches to the dawn.

14. At daybreak he glimpses the gloomy horizon with his eye,
While in his heart there stirs dread of mankind.

15. By my life! If the imam is in one town
While you are in another, your heart longing, drawn asunder!

16. You aspired to what would bring you near to him though
Fate came, and God gives and denies.

17. I am like the thirsty one, whose echo to you grew long,
But what am I to do?

18. Will my life expire though obstacles block it?
As I see, I will return to God.

19. I have nothing to gain in this world
Save that I see the face of the Caliph, content.

20. And He granted me - Have you seen the envious pretend patience? -
How is that with a love which ribs harbor!

21. I am thankful for past bounties, hearing
With the eye of honesty regarding him.

22. I do not despair of mentioning the Caliph;
As long as he lives, hopes tie me fast.

23. Expectation that he will permit me has kept me
From him, and whatever he says, I obey.

24. The path of guidance which justice rules
And light upon the world from truth emanating.

25. And sword of vengeance fearing no blow,
Doing what it desires to the curved of stature.

26. If he pardons, he regrets not, and if he is harsh, he takes revenge.
So is there one more just that you have met?