Oh, if I could once more see the face of my beloved,
I would thank my Creator until the end of time.

Those faithless friends left behind a fellow fallen by the wayside,
Packing up their own burdens and moving on.

People hold the feelings of strangers dear,
Yet my own friends have wounded their companion.

Still, I hold hope that after the burn of separation,
They will place a balm upon this hopeful heart.

The choice is yours—whether to war or to peace,
I have abandoned my own will entirely.

Those who are mired in the soil of foreign lands,
May they find the vision of their homeland only in dreams.

If you seek peace, look not at the beauty of the fair ones—
But if you do, say farewell to sleep and rest.

The Zoroastrian, the Christian, and the Muslim each has their own faith,
Yet I have my own beautiful beloved as my sacred focus.

I wanted to be the dust at her feet, but then thought better—
I would not wish to bring even dust upon that hem.

Last night, I saw a heavenly figure, hiding from prying eyes,
Whispering secretly among friends of her beloved.

If you seek your own desire, give up the idea of union with me,
But if you desire me, release your own freedom.

Keep your heart’s pain hidden until it fills you to the brim—
Better this than revealing it to an enemy.

Even if you bear a thousand sorrows, reveal them to no one,
Until, O brother, you find one who truly understands.

O graceful cypress, just turn and glance once more,
That I may humbly lay my devotion before you.

Friends say, “Saadi, why did you give your heart to love?”
For now, among people, you have given up your dignity.