1. أَنا الوَليدُ الإِمامُ مُفتَخِراً

    أَنعِمُ بالي وَأَتبَعُ الغَزَلا

    I am al-Walid, the imam, speaking proudly:

    I ease my mind and pursue romance.

  2. أَهوى سُلَيمى وَهِيَ تَصرِمُني

    وَلَيسَ حَقّاً جَفاءُ مَن وَصَلا

    I love Sulayma, though she cuts me off;

    And it is not right to shun one who has joined in love.

  3. غَرّاءُ فَرعاءُ يُستَضاءُ بِها

    تَمشي الهُوَيني إِذا مَشَت فَضُلا

    Radiant and long-haired, she is a source of light;

    She walks gently when she walks in a single garment.

  4. أَنقُلُ رِجلي إِلا مَجالِسها

    وَلا أُبالي مَقالَ مَن عَذَلا

    I turn my steps to her gatherings,

    And I care nothing for the words of those who reproach me.

  5. ما العَيشُ إِلّا سَماعُ مُحسِنَةٍ

    وَقَهوَةٌ تَترُكُ الفَتى ثَمِلا

    Life is nothing but listening to a skilled songstress,

    And wine that leaves a young man drunk.

  6. لا أَرتَجي الحورَ في الخُلودِ وَهَل

    يَأمَلُ حورَ الجِنانِ مَن عَقَلا

    I do not hope for houris in eternity—and does

    One with sense hope for the houris of Paradise?

  7. إِذا حَبَتكَ الوِصالَ غانِيَةٌ

    فَجازِها بَذلِها كَمَن وَصَلا

    If a beauty grants you union in love,

    Then repay her generosity as one who has joined in love.