1. They denied a redness that appeared in my eyes,
Yet it is a strange custom that meets with denial.

2. It is no innovation, though its edge has reached me
With wars that rose on the leg of sorcery.

3. It unsheathed the whiteness of swords from the darkness of estrangement,
And kindled within me diseases whose pain pains my patience.

4. It slaughtered sleep in my eyes, so my tears
Flowed with the blood of sleep, dyeing my complexion.

5. O smooth-faced slayer, why did you slaughter my heart
Ruthlessly, with a blade of separation?

6. What law made lawful shedding blood
That God has forbidden to be spilled in vain?

7. So he bent, saying in substitution and wonder:
"My killing was only to veil my honor."

8. God has decreed for the sacrificed one a decree,
Then after it, a mention to exalt me.

9. So we were ransomed when we were ransomed with his slaughter,
Two mighty ones in power and decree.

10. So his ransom was a ram of sheep,
While my ransom was the ram of kings.

11. Then I turned to him and said, "Listen to me
And ponder my words before my slaughter.

12. Surely every servant's offering is to bring him near
And recount his effort on the Day of Assembly.

13. And I, from love of you, am in painful effort,
Yet offerings are not with pain."