1. As he departed, al-Muraʿʿath was approached

    by fair maidens, among them his heart’s desire.

  2. So his two hands drew away from the straps,

    while his companions made fast with leather straps.

  3. And both hands were held back from his saddle

    by tears whose pouring soaked his breast,

  4. and the sobbing of one stricken in the heart,

    whose mind remained with his loved ones.

  5. So the tears streamed in strings;

    when they welled up, their torrent overflowed.

  6. And the scorpions of the love that

    his heart keeps hidden in anxious whisperings.

  7. So when he seeks sleep, he is kept

    awake by whispering thoughts that rouse him,

  8. at the memory of one who ravaged his heart.

    Enough of that for him—enough!

  9. The veil fell, and I was enchanted

    as his two earrings and his bangle swayed.

  10. And a mouth with finely notched teeth and dusky gums,

    delicious in flavor, its saliva sweet.

  11. How dear he is to me, even though

    union belongs to the one who has charge of him:

  12. a far-off beloved, charmingly coy,

    love for him forbade you to close your eyes.

  13. Far is the place where he may be visited; but if

    he drew near you, his nearness would heal you.

  14. You found your life strange after him,

    and time’s broad expanse grew narrow for you.

  15. And such is your time as a lover:

    its turmoil comes at evening if not in the morning.

  16. You loved him, but he was drawn away

    by affection for another whom he loves.

  17. And one of the wonders is that

    his valley was not your valley.

  18. And a wayward tribesman—I was snarled at

    by his dog, barring me from the one I loved.

  19. So I forgave him, hoping that

    his stubbornness would yield to my desire.

  20. And a man devoted to women uses guile

    on a day when his drink is not clear.

  21. And ask the woman you loved,

    if that one’s warfare has beset you:

  22. What do you prescribe for a lover

    who has baffled physician and medicine?

  23. He has died, or else he is dying,

    unless God, his Lord, heals him.

  24. ʿUbayda forcibly seized his heart;

    is its seizure lawful in Islam?

  25. He pines for her; if there were a delay

    in a message from her, or it came only at intervals,

  26. death would come upon him,

    and he would die, or his anguish would increase.

Sol 6.1