1. شُغِلُت بلّذةِ القُبَلِ

    وَوَعْدِ الكُتْب والرُّسُلِ

    I was absorbed in the pleasure of kisses,

    and the promise of letters and messengers,

  2. ومعشوقٍ يُواصِلني

    بلا مَطْلٍ ولا عِلَل

    and a beloved who grants me union

    without delay or excuses.

  3. أتى عجِلاً يِطير به

    جناح الخوفِ والوجَلِ

    He came in haste, borne aloft by

    the wing of fear and dread;

  4. وندمانٍ يساعِدني

    ويَسقِيني ويشرب لي

    and a drinking companion who aids me

    and gives me drink and drinks for my sake:

  5. مُضَرَّجَةً إذا أَضْرَمْ

    تَها ترمِيك بالشُّعلِ

    crimson wine—if you kindle

    it, it hurls flames at you;

  6. مُوَرَّدَةً إذا مُزِجَتْ

    كَوردِ الخدّ مِن خَجلِ

    rose-red when mixed,

    like the rose upon a cheek flushed with bashfulness.