Sol 5.6

  1. When, O dear Arab folk of the encampment, will my eyes behold you?

    And hear your call from those dwellings?

  2. When will Time, which came between us, bring us together,

    So that my heart rejoices in you and my eyes behold you?

  3. I pass by the doors although I have no need—

    Perhaps I may see you, or see someone who sees you.

  4. Passion gave me a clear cup of love to drink;

    If only, when it gave me drink, it had given you to drink as well.

  5. If only the judge of love would pass judgment between us,

    And passion’s herald, when he called me, had called you too.

  6. I am your slave—indeed, the slave of a slave belonging to your slave—

    Your chattel, yours to sell and buy.

  7. I have deeded to you myself and all my hand possesses;

    Though my wealth is scant, my soul is your ransom.

  8. My tongue proclaims your glory, and my heart is filled with your love;

    My eyes have never beheld any beauty but you.

  9. Nothing has ennobled all creation except your beauty,

    And lovers seek nothing but your radiance.

  10. If I am asked, “What do you desire from God?”

    I say, “The Merciful One’s pleasure, and then yours.”

  11. I have an eye that streams with tears in a downpour;

    Sleep is forbidden it until it beholds you.

  12. Carry me, reduced to bones, as a burden wherever you journey,

    And wherever you alight, bury me beside you.

  13. Tread around my grave with the tips of your sandals,

    And my bones will come alive when they hear your call.

  14. And say, “May God watch over you, O one who died of love,

    And lodge you in Paradise near their sacred precinct.”

Sol 5.6