I remember in earlier days, a friend and I were as close as the kernels of two almonds in one shell. Suddenly, an unexpected separation occurred.
After some time, when he returned, he began to reproach me, saying: "During this time, you did not send a messenger."
I replied: "I was reluctant to send one because I couldn't bear the thought that the messenger's eyes would be brightened by the sight of your beauty while I remained deprived."
Tell my old friend not to speak to me of repentance,
For repentance will never come to me through words, but only by the sword of love.
