1. The most fragrant of valleys is Al-Uqayq
With its gentle, delicate breeze

2. And its fresh, sparkling water
And its shady, elegant shade

3. The most fragrant were the days gone by
In its tender, leafy meadow

4. When the square of pleasures therein
Was fruitful, met by the eager

5. And companionship was connected therein
The bonds of friend to friend

6. In the shadow of a dormant fate
Facing a fortune just awoken

7. When my eyes were not tearful
Nor my heart distraught

8. Days of May, like the full
Moon at dawn’s first light

9. Days when visiting its dwellings
Before they changed to ruins

10. I was enriched by the sweetness of its talk
Beyond the melody of the vocal chord

11. From its cheek my rose, and from
The chains of its slender neck my drink

12. I would go to it at dawn
As I go to passion’s smolder

13. Oh May, you left me
The day of parting, my brightness waned

14. And the intent of loved ones to hearts
Is like the wounds of yearning

15. I swear by the dweller of holy Mecca
And the ancient house and stone

16. That I, to the slumber of May
Am drawn at dawn’s first allure

17. Oh reproacher in it, be sure
You are not the merciful friend

18. Do not ask of it a way
Whence no path leads

19. However long you remain vigilant
You are not with it, awake

20. I am pleased in love
By May’s specter in solitude

21. And the wind carries its blossoms
In the night, gentle in its stillness