أَرى قُربَ إِقبالِ الحَبيبِ لمغرمٍ

أَرى قُربَ إِقبالِ الحَبيبِ لمغرمٍ

بِكَثرةِ هِجرانٍ تُؤدّي لأخطارِ

بِكَثرةِ هِجرانٍ تُؤدّي لأخطارِ

I see the beloved's approach drawing near for a lovesick lover,

I see my beloved drawing near a lovesick one

through much estrangement that leads to dangers.

With frequent estrangements leading to perils.

فَفي كَثرَةِ الإِدبارِ بشرى حُصولِهِ

فَفي كَثرَةِ الإِدبارِ بشرى حُصولِهِ

فَكَم نالَ قَفْزَ النَّهرِ مُكثِرُ إدبارِ

فَكَم نالَ قَفْزَ النَّهرِ مُكثِرُ إدبارِ

For in much turning away lies glad news of its coming to pass;

So in frequent retreats are glad tidings of reunion,

for how often has one who retreats far succeeded in leaping the river!

For how many have leaped the river by much retreat!