سكنت إلى النوى ونسيت صبّا

نحيلاً كاد يقتله الحنين

He settled in yearning and forgot the dawn,

Gaunt, as if longing itself would slay him.

فلما لم يجد في الحب صبراً

ولم ترحم جوانحه السجون

When he found no patience in love

And prison offered no mercy,

تفاني في النحول فلو تبدّى

لما فطنت لخطرته العيون

He wasted away in leanness. Had he appeared,

Eyes would have scarcely recognized him.

وها هو كالخيال أتاك يسرى

مخافة أن تظَنَّ به الظنون

Yet here he comes to you like a phantom,

Fearing you might suspect him of ill designs.

فأكرم نزله وارحم ضناهُ

فإن فؤادكَ الحرم الأمينُ

So honor his visit and have pity on his weakness,

For your heart is the inviolable sanctuary.