White and Green and Black Tears

Why are your tears so white?

Dear, I have wept so long

That my old tears grow white like my old hair.

Why are your tears so green?

Dear, the waters are wept away

And the green gall is flowing.

Why are your tears so black?

Dear, the weeping is over

And the black flash you loved is breaking.

From the Arabic (School of Ebn-el-Farid) (thirteenth century).