I suffer hell's fierce torments, ghastly flames now sear
My soul, forever seeking you, my love divine.
This separation dulls my spirit. Death is near,
But then forever yours shall be this heart of mine.

The softness of your chin on softer tresses lies.
My soul they try to steel, those scintillating eyes.
He who seeks to flee from love, from life itself then flies!
That is what the people say—I seek you, love of mine.

I swear by Kadija, by Sakina I swear,
I swear by Heiranisa, by Amina I swear,
By Kaaba, Mecca and Medina I declare
That sorrow grips Vagif's hot heart, beloved mine.

No pine or cypress-tree more graceful have I seen,
For figures such as yours are few and far between.
I'm half the man you knew, I now am sick and lean,
I shall get worse unless I see your face divine.

Translated by Tom Botting

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