1. At first aloof, then the beauty shows kindness,
And the height of their disdain is consent.

2. The enamored visit, but from the rights of union
Comes this harsh estrangement.

3. So disdain! For the delight of love
Is when aloofness is found in the beloved.

4. How does estrangement mar union
When but a black dot adorns its margins?

5. And if a mole embellishes the cheek,
Then the height of beauty is pride.

6. Anger comes before contentment, and whenever
The taste of sickness passes, healing is sweet.

7. For there is an excuse for beauty toward the ardent lover,
So take their wealth, the misers consent.

8. Or does not beauty excuse itself when
The fair one looks upon herself in the mirror?

9. Ask her, O mistress of trinkets, about me -
Is there a cure for the heart’s pain from her?

10. And remember that though we hope despite despair
From despair may come hope.

11. Does not the sky, over which comes
Every day dawn and then evening?

12. In it is the smile of daylight’s radiance,
And the darkness of evening is its weeping.