Sol 5.6

  1. Love for Ahmad has spread abroad,

    between the ribs and the heart’s inmost core.

  2. He sways in his every movement,

    like a supple bough whenever he walks.

  3. His cheeks are made of the night’s hail,

    his two eyes of a young gazelle.

  4. When I gained union with him

    and had from him all I desired,

  5. he was creation’s loveliest—or upon

    the lover’s eye there lies a veil.

  6. And the watcher’s eye feigned sleep,

    at the urging of the slanderers’ goblets.

  7. And word of our love spread abroad;

    love grows fair when it spreads.

  8. The tale-bearers tampered with our union

    out of envy—accursed be whoever bears tales!

Sol 5.6