1. I wrote, while passion stirred my recollection,
On Chinese paper with ambergris-infused ink,

2. And I decorated prose upon the surface of a parchment
As exquisite as a brocade robe embroidered.

3. For one whose patience left me because of his reproach that shook me
To him a yearning cleaved like fitted armor,

4. My boon companion, pride of my uncle Muhammad,
And my delight whom I befriended and apex of my pride,

5. Who left me on the day of parting, miserable day,
And I have sighs like the warbling of songbirds,

6. Prompting me to send to you the most gracious greetings,
As fragrance of tender sprigs scattered into embers.

7. Passing by a plush garden, you gently bend
Rushing with breaths like soughing Tamarisk,

8. Conveying a passion nested in my ribs
And my burning liver and sleepless eyes.

9. Though the visits of loved ones have dwindled,
The serenity of my affection remains untainted.

10. I yearn and pine for you all the while,
And rain tears like torrential showers,

11. Lavishing them so they may cool my torment,
And inflame it like a raging inferno.

12. Marvel at tears which are cascading water
Igniting a fire within my broken heart.

13. May He who ordained separation reunite us,
And align us in the path of might and honor,

14. So we may frolic in the bosom of luxury living
And roam in a garden of bliss ever verdant.

15. And below, from me, is a robe of exquisite making
Scented at its fringes, embroidered with jewels,

16. Exhaling the aroma of a meadow saffron-embroidered,
And redolent of sweet musk and ambergriss.