Gar na andoh-e-shab-e-furqat bayaan ho jaaye-ga

If this night's parting sorrow finds no words for pain, The moon's dark blemish a mouth-sealing stain will then become.

If Venus weeps so on this lonely night of pain, The moon's reflection a house-drowning rain will then become.

I'd steal a kiss from her foot as she sleeps, but it's in vain, For my cruel love with deep suspicion will then become.

I thought my heart was meant for faith's untroubled reign; Who knew, for her, a test of faith it will then become.

If you, who live in every heart, to smile would deign, The world itself a friend to me will then become.

If her hot gaze keeps teaching me to bear the strain, The flame, like blood, hid in the reed's own vein will then become.

Don't take me to the garden, or from seeing my pain, Each dew-kissed rose a bloodshot, weeping eye will then become.

What woe, if our case is not judged on that Last Day, in vain My hope has been that justice there for us will then become.

What is the use, Asad? You know this truth is plain: A foolish friendship a deep loss for the soul will then become.

If that proud beauty calls on me my state to explain, The rose's thorn, to speak for it, a tongue will then become.

If martyrdom's your wish, in wine grow bold and vain, The bottle's crack a line upon the whetstone will then become.