If you were to unveil your face in the city's midst,
A thousand devoted believers would fall prey to affliction.
Who could dare glance upon your auspicious beauty,
When even behind the veil, you steal hearts effortlessly?
My heart is never free from thoughts of you,
Now that you've captivated the city, leave it not in ruin.
With your coiled tresses, you've bound my restless heart,
But if you turn away, O fortunate one, you’ll unravel my soul.
Our story, brief as it may be, might reach your ears,
Yet you cannot know the thirst of the parched, O well-watered flower.
If the lamp dies, what concern is it to the breeze?
If the linen scatters, why should the moon grieve?
I offer you prayers, yet should you curse me, it matters not,
For even sweet exchanges with honey-lipped ones are delightful.
Where are you now, to reproach and scorn me?
You remain safe on the shore while I am drowning in the depths.
What blame lies upon one bound by misfortune?
If you can extend a helping hand, do not withhold it.
Though patience for the beloved seems impossible for me,
I endure out of necessity, like a fish surviving without water.
You claim restraint, Saadi, from giving your heart away,
But every claimant of such is but a liar.