Sol 5.6

  1. And a cup—as though it contained musk—I sipped it down;

    A companion of mine, much censured, shared it with me—

  2. Radiant, as though the full moon were the likeness of his face,

    Possessing ample haunches, hair, and a mouth.

  3. The radiance of his cheek lights the blackest darkness,

    And night parts from him, though night is dark.

  4. Two breasts like rounded caskets, and a compactly knit back,

    And a neck bearing a strand of ordered pearls,

  5. A belly God fashioned slenderly, and speech

    Soft and mellow, and an ample rump joined to the waist.

  6. Through this she enthralled me, took me captive, and left

    A blaze within my heart, its fire flaring.

  7. I spend the night finding my way by her when night envelops me,

    And awaken dumbfounded, unable to speak.

  8. Who will tell my nearest kin that my soul

    Will depart if she departs, and will not linger?

  9. As I have known her—may God set her condition aright—

    She is generous to whoever desires her and grants favor.

  10. Why, then, has she withheld her affection from me,

    While my heart, my people, is her lovesick captive?

Sol 5.6