1. The flashing swords redeem the blackened eyes,
For they seek not to strike unsheathed;

2. The slender spear redeems the bent elbow,
For it seeks not to thrust untrue;

3. The charms that enthralled us and took us,
Oppressed us and wreaked havoc;

4. We crave the eyes as we crave the stars,
In ignorance thinking we love the full moon;

5. Killers with their eyes, the soft gazelles,
Who could give life with their union, if generosity was their nature;

6. Rich in beauty they begrudged us,
Though this has long been their custom;

7. The fairer they became, the more miserly,
As if the two were born together;

8. From every languid soft-eyed one,
Whose cheeks are fiery red,

9. None kohl'd an eye, or reddened a cheek,
Or whitened a face, or plaited a braid;

10. None sought to acquire beauty, save that
Nature gave them bleaching and blackening.

11. The loveliest beauty is the most pristine,
Like love, the sincerest is the most pure.