لِمَ لا أُصِرّ على البَطَالَةِ والهَوَى

وعلى بَرْدِ شَبِيْبَتي وإِزَارِها

Why do I not insist on idleness and passion

And on the coolness of my youth and its cloak?

وإذا تراءَتْ للقِيَانِ مَحَاسِني

طَمِحَتْ إليّ بِلَحْظِها أبصارُها

And if maidens reveal their beauties before me,

Their glances yearn for me.

ولو أنّ عيداناً بغيرِ ضَوَارِبِ

قابَلْنَني لتَحَرّكَتْ أَوْتَارُها

If limbs without rhythmic motions

Were to meet me, their strings would be set in motion.