فَيا لَكَ من لَيل تمتَّعت طولَه

وَهل طائِف من نائِم مُتمتِع

O what a night whose length you enjoyed

Is there anyone sleeping who enjoys himself?

نعم ان ذا شجو مَتى يَلق شَجوه

وَلَو نائِماً مُستَعتِب أَو مُوَدِّع

Yes, when does a melancholic find his melancholy,

Even if asleep, bidding farewell or taking leave.

لَهُ حاجَة قَد طالَما اِسرَّه

مِن الناسِ في صَدرِ بِها يَتَصَدَّع

He has a need that has long distressed him

Among the people, in his heart with which he is split

تَحملتُها طول الزَمانِ لعلَّها

يَكون لَها يَوماً من الدَهرِ منزع

I have borne it throughout time perhaps

One day it will have a relief from fate

وَقد قَرَعت في ام عمرو لي العَصا

قَديماً كَما كانَت لِذي الحُلم تقرَع

And it struck Umm 'Amr for me the stick

Anciently as it used to strike the forbearing one.