1. My master's letter arrived after
The caller to prayer was done with his call

2. When it settled before me
The one from the side of the full moon appeared darker

3. So I read it
With an eye that if I made it rain, it would rain blood

4. And I asked it
So I asked something unable to speak, mute

5. And it gave no answer
What would be upon it if the blameful one answered

6. And I reread it
So I hurried without wisdom to gain experience

7. And I memorized it
As the free man memorizes the concealed talk

8. And I repeated it
So from wherever I faced it, it smiled

9. And I kissed it
So I kissed a pearl arranged in necklaces

10. And I stood for it
So I was, by the duty of love, upright

11. And I was sincere to its writer
And not judging by the ruling of events, decisive

12. And I did not believe it
But it had mingled with flesh and blood

13. And I dated its arrival
So it was for the days of seasons, seasonal

14. And with it I quenched the anguish
Of a heart whose wishes had reached thirst

15. And I cured the sick one
Of an inner pain from the fire, pained

16. As for those days which
Blame protected by staying on the hot sands

17. And the nights of torment which
Filled the seas of night with white and stars

18. Then I remember them
With patience as if they were, and had become, patient

19. And I let out a sigh
That if it shook pleasure, pleasure would collapse and crumble

20. And I let flow the tears
As the horizon sends out the gathering clouds

21. And I sought consolation
I ask the nonexistent and close the destroyer

22. As for thanks, I only
Spill it as musk sealed upon it

23. And I stand by an obligation
I see myself through it, beyond mankind, upright

24. And I fulfill the duty of a loan
How can the earth fulfill a loan from the sky?