مرّ الجَميل قُلت يا غُصن النَقا ما لك

عَن نَسيم الدَلال يا فاتني ما لك

The beautiful one passed, I said: "O branch of nāqā, what is wrong with you?

Why do you not sway to the breeze of coquetry, O you who entice, what is wrong with you?

اِرحَم متيم عَليل بِالطَرف أَوما لك

أَعرض دَلالاً وَقاللي لا تَكون طامع

Have mercy on an ailing lover with a glance, or what is wrong with you?"

He turned his face away and said to me: "Do not be hopeful

بِالوَصل إِلا بِبذل الرُوح أَو مالك

of union unless you give your soul or your wealth."