وألوى سبى جفني مغير جفونهِ

ألم ترَ تسهيدي ومقلته وسنى

He twists his eyelid in sleep, though awake are his eyes,

Have you not seen my submission, my longing, my yearning?

أيكسر جفناً لحظهُ وهو صارمٌ

ويعطي أماناً أم يسوّ فنا أمنا

Does he break a lid with his piercing glance,

Or give safety, or render our days insecure?

فرم نجوةً وانبذ إليه ذمامهُ

فلولا ابتغاء الحربِ ما كسرَ الجفنا

He casts a tender look, sending his greetings,

If he sought not war, he'd not rend the eyelid.