إن كان وصلك ليس فيه مطمع

إن كان وصلك ليس فيه مطمع

والترب ممنوع فبدني واكذب

والترب ممنوع فبدني واكذب

If there is no hope of union with you,

If your attachment holds no promise,

If in union with you there is no hope to be held,

and [nearness?] is forbidden, then [promise me?] and lie.

And affection is forbidden, then deceive my body.

and even the dust is forbidden, then promise me falsely and lie,

فعسى التملل بالنتقائك ممسك

فعسى التملل بالنتقائك ممسك

لحياة قلب بالصدود معذب

لحياة قلب بالصدود معذب

Perhaps [taking solace in meeting you?] may sustain

May boredom with your aloofness restrain you,

for perhaps clinging to the hope of meeting you may sustain

the life of a heart tormented by rejection.

And torment a heart's life with rejection.

the life of a heart tormented by cruel estrangement;

فقد يسلى المجديين إذا رأوا

فقد يسلى المجديين إذا رأوا

في الأفق يلمع ضوء برقٍ خلب

في الأفق يلمع ضوء برقٍ خلب

For it may console [the drought-stricken?] when they see

For those in anguish may find solace,

just as the drought-stricken may take solace when they see

the light of rainless lightning gleaming on the horizon.

If on the horizon gleams a flash of light.

the flash of deceptive, rainless lightning gleam upon the horizon.