1. I bear my longing in silence, not daring to ask,
For if I do, the answer comes, "This may not be."

2. My tormentor is an Arab girl, lovelier than a houri,
While Caesar and the Khalif are her willing slaves.

3. I told her of my passion one day and she replied,
"With such hopes, you can never my heart seize."

4. Beneath her coat of mail and her rich silken shift
Lie treasures and riches untold.

5. I said, "My lineage pleads to you for me,
A noble line that sets me apart."

6. She said, "Our glory lies in modesty and purity
That guards our beauty, keeps it for none but the worthy."

7. Shall an Arab girl grant her love to me,
When even the great Barawiz could not attain this prize?