I went out to talk to a girl with dark eyes.
She said, "You must go, I cannot let you stay!
Many people can see us. With signs we can't speak-
It's no time to bring winking eyes into play!"

Your coquettish warm languor is my deadly foe.
The breezes are brushing your curls to and fro.
It's time we should kiss. I beg you, don't go,
But come, let us love, there is no more to say!

Vagif says, be bold! Such a chance never miss.
Stroke the nape of her neck as you beg for a kiss.
Wasting time in discourses would be quite amiss. . .
Now my breath comes in gasps-do not tease me I pray.

Translated by Tom Botting

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