This reckless old man is delighted with youth,
It is foolishness for an elder to contend with the young.
Though I can barely resist even a single strand, how strange,
That I have fallen for one who can break every chain.
When that silver-bodied, cypress-shaped figure bends the bow,
I wish to become the target for that arrow.
The prey will willingly walk into the snare
When it sees the hand and bow that have drawn it in.
No one has ever heard words as sweet as yours,
Did you drink sugar with your mother’s milk instead of ordinary milk?
The marketplace of youth lasts no more than a few days,
Value the present, young one, for delay brings loss.
You who advised me to turn my gaze from the beautiful,
I can find a cure for anything but destiny.
For so long, we showed piety while hiding disbelief,
But now the veil has lifted, and all deceit is gone.
Saadi, even if you lay down your life in service to the beloved,
You must still ask forgiveness for your failings.