أَجُلَّنارٌ يَلوحُ أَم خَدُّ

أَيا سَمينٌ يَفوحُ أَم نَدُّ

Is it a flaming firebrand that gleams, or a smooth cheek?

Is it a plump beauty that exhales fragrance, or a tender gazelle?

قُم نَعتَبِرُ ذاكَ مِن غُصونِهِما

فَما مِنَ الإِختِيارِ لي بُدُّ

Arise, let us examine this in their branches,

For I have no choice but to pick one.

فَالهُ بِنا فَالحَيا قَد اِنتَصَبَت

مِنهُ عَلى كُلِّ بِركَةٍ نَردُ

So by it we prosper, and life has set out

From it blessings on which we climb back up.

فَاليَومُ يَومٌ يَروقُ مَنظَرُهُ

إِن ضَحِكَ البَرقُ قَهقَهَ الرَعدُ

Today is a day whose sight delights,

If lightning laughs, thunder guffaws loudly.