Note 7 — Chapter XXXIX · VOYAGE DOWN THE NILE.
Reading edition
I give the following translations of these two songs, as nearly literal as possible:
I.
Look at me with your eyes, O gazelle, O gazelle! The blossom of your cheeks is dear to me; your breasts burst the silk of your vest; I cannot loose the shawl about your waist; it sinks into your soft waist. Who possesses you is blessed by heaven. Look at me with your eyes, O gazelle, O gazelle! Your forehead is like the moon; your face is fairer than all the flowers of the garden; your bed is of diamonds; he is richer than a King who can sleep thereon. Look at me with your eyes, O gazelle, O gazelle!
II.
O night, O night—O darling, I lie on the sands. I languish for the light of your face; if you do not have pity on me, I shall die. O night, O night—O darling, I lie on the sands. I have changed color from my longing and my sorrow; you only can restore me, O my darling. O night, O night—O darling, I lie on the sands. O darling, take me in: give me a place by your side, or I must go back wretched to my own country.