متى تشتفي نفسٌ أضر بها الوجد

وتصقب دارٌ قد طوى أهلها البعد

When will a soul tormented by love's pain find peace,

When will a soul, afflicted by ardent longing, find its cure,

And a home abandoned by friends regain its joy?

and an abode draw near, whose people distance has carried away?

وعهدي بهندٍ وهي جارة بيتنا

وأرب من هندٍ لطالبها الهند

I loved a maid called Hend who dwelt next door,

I remember Hind when she lived as a neighbor to our home,

Yet from Hend withdrew, though love impelled me on.

and winning Hind was a cherished prize for one who sought her.

بلى إن في قرب الديار لراحة

كما يمسك الظمآن أن يدنو الورد

Yes, living near one's love holds comfort still,

Yes, in the closeness of their dwellings lies true solace,

As when the thirsty man approaches the spring.

just as the thirsty soul is sustained when the watering spring draws near.