1. For God's sake, why have I become infatuated
With frivolity and distraction?

2. How strong is my passion
For every flirtatious and playful one!

3. The bending branch, sated with kindness,
Drinks as though from a basin of pure wine.

4. When it bends, it bends hearts as well,
Stirring them profoundly.

5. And when it sways, it sways eyes too
With the light of a face without veil.

6. And when it whispers, it alerts ears
With the beauty of its tormenting words.

7. No guide abases himself here,
Or regrets it tomorrow like one suffering.

8. Nor does the fleeing gazelle in it
Flee from boredom or confusion.

9. There love is enjoyable,
Its lover is no pretender.

10. Nothing but a glance in it, even if
To dispel any doubt.

11. Love is like an address from one
Who loves, requiring a response.

12. So if I address without getting a reply
From the one I address, I refrain from addressing.

13. Such is my law and statute;
This is my scripture and book,

14. In the religion of love's people.
So let me devote myself to love's dispute,

15. Reproach and blame,
And find torment in it sweet,

16. Not from a friend, but a foe.
And seek consent upon them

17. From a folk wrathful in love.
What disgrace, by God, but this?

18. Where can the glory of youth be seen?
I ask God's forgiveness. I am not pleased

19. With this or that from my quests.
Thanks be to God, my soul

20. Is safe from the approach of abasement.
I love meanings themselves