1. أَشهى مِنَ القَهوَةِ وَالكاسِ

    عَلى نَسيمِ الوَردِ وَالآسِ

    More desirable than wine and the cup,

    In the breeze of roses and myrtle,

  2. وَمِن كَحيلِ العَينِ مَيّاسِ

    مَن جادَ بِالفَقرِ عَلى ياسِ

    And than a kohl-eyed beloved, swaying gracefully,

    Is one who gives generously in poverty, amid despair,

  3. بِرُغمِ حُجّابٍ وَحُرّاسِ

    صِيانَةَ الوَجهِ عَنِ الناسِ

    Despite doorkeepers and guards,

    To protect his dignity from others.