اِعزِم عَلى سَلوَةٍ إِلّا عَنِ الكاسِ

وَدَع سِواها مِنَ اللَذّاتِ لِلناسِ

Be resolved to drink wine alone, and leave other pleasures to the people,

Resolve to find solace in nothing but the cup,

For living in a garden surrounded by narcissus, myrtle, and apple trees,

And leave all other pleasures to the rest of men.

فَالعَيشُ في مَجلِسٍ حُفَّت جَوانِبُهُ

بِالنَرجِسِ الغَضِّ وَالنِسرينِ وَالآسِ

Is dearer to the soul than the hounds' chasing hares or shooting with a crossbow,

For true life is found in a gathering whose borders are lined

Especially when rotated by a singing-girl, slender as a willow wand.

With tender narcissus, wild rose, and fragrant myrtle.

أَشهى إِلى النَفسِ مِن عَدوِ الكِلابِ عَلى

أَرانِبِ الصَيدِ أَو مِن رَميِ بُرجاسِ

Though you desire her, she keeps away; between hope and despair you lie.

More desirable to the soul than the coursing of dogs

Chasing hares in the hunt, or the striking of targets.

لا سِيَّما إِن أُديرَت مِن مُقَرطَقَةٍ

أَو مُرهَفٍ كَقَضيبِ البانِ مَيّاسِ

Especially when the wine is served by a maiden in a tunic,

Or a slender youth, swaying like a willow bough;

إِطراقُهُ مَطمَعٌ وَالوَصلُ مُمتَنِعٌ

فَأَنتَ مِنهُ عَلى الأَطماعِ وَالياسِ

His lowered gaze invites hope, yet union is denied,

Leaving you, for his sake, suspended between longing and despair.