صاحِبِ الحِبَّ صابِراً لا يَصُدَّن

نَكَ مِنهُ تَجَهُّمٌ وَعُبوسُ

Be patient, o lover, and do not despair

Bear with the beloved patiently, and let not

If your beloved frowns or sulks.

A sullen scowl or frowning face repel you.

وَأَقِلَّ اللَجاجَ وَاِصبِر عَلى الجَه

دِ فَإِنَّ الهَوى نَعيمٌ وَبوسُ

Calm your frustration and endure rejection

Lessen your importunity, and endure the strain,

For passion is bliss and a kiss.

For passion is composed of bliss and misery.

عَرِّضَن لِلَّذي تُحِبُّ بِحُبٍّ

ثُمَّ دَعهُ يَروضُهُ إِبليسُ

Proclaim your affection to the one you love,

Hint at your love to the one you desire,

Then leave her to tame it, like a wild steed.

Then leave him alone—let the Devil tame him.

فَلَعَلَّ الزَمانَ يُدنيكَ مِنهُ

إِنَّ خَطبَ الهَوى جَليلٌ نَفيسُ

Perhaps with time she will come closer to you,

Perhaps the course of time will bring you close,

For the quest of love is grand and precious.

For the affair of love is grave and precious.