ولقد حللتُ من المحلَّة منزلاً

ملك العيون وجاز رقَّا الأنفس

I took up residence in a beloved abode,

The abode of beautiful eyes and refined souls.

وجمعت بين النيّرين تجمُّعاً

أمنا المحاق فأصبحا في مجلس

I brought together the two rivers in union,

As though they were kinsmen gathered in council.

ما بين يومٍ بالممنَّع مقمرٍ

حسناً وليلٍ بالمليحة مشمس

Between a day graced with forbidden pleasures,

Of beauty and a night lit up with a radiant moon,

والبرقُ طلقٌ كالأحبَّة ضاحك

في حجر غيمٍ كالرقيب معبّس

Lightning flashes, laughing like happy lovers,

In the lap of clouds, like a scowling chaperone.

والروض فيه من الحسان ملامح

وضّاحة للناظر المتفرّس

The meadow contains features of loveliness,

Dazzling to the watchful, roving eye.

فخدوده وردٌ وهيف قدوده

قضبٌ ودعج عيونه من نرجس

Its cheeks are roses and the slopes of its breasts,

Reeds, its heavy hips like narcissus.