1. Pass me, O one of supple waist that sways
Like dawn's light or night shadows as they fade

2. When you dragged your dress's train, green satin
I heard silk whispering, swaying, undulating

3. Your body under the cold appears so sleek
Like polished ivory or marble white and sheek

4. Your face tells of heavens we've never known
Your waist a concept unfathomed, unshown

5. Your lips in their breath blow morning's breeze
Bearing scent of carnations, fragrances

6. I saw the dewdrops in a rose's cup
Like a tear on a cheek inclined and supped

7. And so I wished to pluck a rose bouquet
For a waist so supple thoughts fly away

8. This love has grown and people come between
How can I approach your house unseen?

9. If you consent to union, send a phantom
If not, cast a glance, restless I roam

10. I implore you by God, witness sublime
Stop tormenting me, long have I pined

11. I'm like a shepherd tending his herd
Who sees no beauty and dreams absurd

12. Once by a tree granting shade he sat
Flute in hand, warbling like a nightingrat

13. He saw a maiden approach to collect
Wheat sheaves for loved ones, a sweet prospect

14. Under wool smock her forehead shone bright
Like a sword gleaming under scabbard's might

15. He walked up and bid her peace and health
She returned his greeting, gentle as wealth

16. Next month she passed by, greeted and went
Then he confessed his love so long unspent

17. She didn't return his love or speak at all
Did not smile her cheeks rosy enthrall

18. He said you spurn me without empathy
Oh hopes' bitter loss after expectancy!

19. At dawn she came early to the field anew
Like sunrise rays to the east imbue

20. He sang softly in voice pleasant and sad
To melt ascetic's heart firm and staid

21. His song moved her and she wept for his sake
Saying "My love, today in my heart make thine abode"

22. The shepherd's song makes the maiden's heart yearn
Chant O great poet, your love concerns

23. With love for Janan, Ibn Hani had told
And gained union after long days cold

24. With my poems I tricked her 'til she was mine
I'm no seducer, only a bard benign